Year-round farming key to cutting food imports – Agric Minister

Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku says Ghana must expand irrigation and support year-round farming to boost food production and reduce dependence on imports.

Speaking during a visit to Gyidiman Farms in Odumasua-Noahkrom, in the Afram Plains South District, he said reliance on rainfall continues to limit the country’s agricultural potential.

“We have to transition Ghana's agriculture from rainfed agriculture to irrigation agriculture,” he emphasised.

The farm, led by 2025 National Best Farmer Abraham Kwaku Adusei and backed by the Saviour Church of Ghana, illustrates both the opportunities in large-scale agriculture and the challenges confronting producers.

Its operations include 350 acres of cashew, 320 acres of mango and 450 acres of maize. It also produces rice, beans, and vegetables, and cultivates teak and raises livestock.

Operating for more than 20 years, the farm engages thousands of workers in batches, providing employment for surrounding communities.

However, inadequate rainfall has caused substantial losses. Nana Abraham said more than 500 acres of beans were affected last year. About 200 acres are currently under cultivation.

“We had a difficult period last year because, due to lack of rain, we suffered a loss of over 500 acres of beans cultivated,” he recounted.

He welcomed government support for an irrigation system that would draw water from the Afram River, more than 12 miles away.

Mr Opoku said the procurement process for the irrigation project was nearing completion, with the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority handling the technical arrangements.

He added that contractors were working to extend electricity to the farm, with completion expected by the end of December 2026.

Transport difficulties remain another obstacle. Delays at the Afram River ferry crossing affect the movement of workers and produce, sometimes contributing to post-harvest losses.

The minister said a contract had been awarded for a bridge project and the contractor was on site. Ongoing road construction is also expected to improve access to the farming area.

Under the Feed Ghana Programme, the government is encouraging churches to participate in food production. The Saviour Church became the first church to register under the initiative.

Mr Opoku said the government had supplied the church with 1,000 bags of fertiliser this year. He said the allocation could increase to match the scale of its operations.

The ministry is also developing a farmer service centre to provide machinery and grain storage. Gyidiman Farms already operates a rice processing facility to add value to its produce.

The minister said local and foreign investors had expressed interest in acquiring thousands of hectares for farming. He believes such investment could expand production and create jobs, particularly for young people.

He urged Ghanaians to buy locally produced food to support farmers and encourage further investment.

“If we have 10 Gyidiman Farms in Ghana, it will end our imports,” he said.

Nana Abraham, 83 and a farmer for more than 50 years, also encouraged young people to consider careers in agriculture.

“Farming is something so valuable. I'm 83 years old, and I’m still a farmer,” he said.