By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept. 29,2010
THE GHANA Agricultural Producers and Traders Organization (GAPTO) has urged financial institutions in the country not to shy away from risks associated with investing in the agriculture sector but rather embrace them and find better ways of overcoming them.
According to the association, financial institutions should absorb these risks and offer tailored solutions to address them by providing support through the construction of modernized irrigation systems where the sector would not rely solely on rain feed cropping.
Speaking in an interview on Rite FM in Somanya recently, the Secretary General of GAPTO, Haruna Agesheka said agriculture in Ghana is risky because of the rain-fed nature of the sector adding it is not a prudent way sustain the nation’s agriculture.
Agesheka said the over-dependence on rainfall has made the production of certain agriculture products unprofitable due to lean seasons and the lack of processing and storage facilities to preserve the annual glut that affects farmers.
“Because we rely on the rains all year round for farming, banks do not want to give money to people involved in onion, leafy vegetables and tomato cultivation since they will not get their profits back at the end of the day,” he lamented.
The General Secretary said because of this Ghana has to import such produce from Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d’ ivoire and Togo during the lean season “even though Ghana has more fertile lands in abundance than these countries.”
He noted that the situation can be reversed “if financial institutions invest heavily in the construction of irrigation dams to increase productivity and sustenance.”
“Banks should not run away from the risks involved in agriculture but rather absorb the risks by ensuring that we have water throughout the whole year to grow our crops, harvest them and pay back the loans they have offered to us,” he added.
He said organizations like FAGRO, insurance companies and institution who are experts in agro risk management should be brought on board to formulate plans to reduce risks in the sector.
He noted that modern techniques in irrigation systems can be fully harnessed to the benefit of small holder farmer towards the realization of reducing poverty among them.
Mr. Agesheka also charged government to move away from conducting irrigation projects on a pilot basis into full-scale implementation.
“It is time for governments do away with pilot projects on irrigation and work hard to sustain the sector.”
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Farmers Forum With Kubi: Mills Pledges Support for Private Sector.
PRESIDENT Mills has pledged his administration’s preparedness to support the private sector to i..."
FAGRO Poised for Grand Show
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE NATIONAL Food and Agric Show (FAGRO), slated to take place in Accra from October 12-17 this year has received support from over 40 companies both international and local including media partners ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the show.
In a chat with DAILY GUIDE, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Exhibition Director for FAGRO which will be held at the Ghana International Trade Fair Center said based on the large number of companies that have expressed their commitment to support event, it is bound to be an enormous success.
She said companies who have shown interest are operating at various levels in the agricultural value chain system ranging from manufacturing, marketing, finance and agro-chemicals to agricultural support-based organizations in the country.
They include Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Millennium Development Authority (MIDA), Prairie Aveyime Rice, CFAO-Ghana, Yara-Ghana, Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF), First Capital Plus and Pioneer Food Cannery.
She said others are Cottage Italia, Indomie, ACDI VOCA/ADVANS GHANA, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPPS), Pepsi, Gablin Foods Limited, Borges Olive Oil, Somovision, Sigma Group, Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), Traditional Caterers Association, DOMOD Aluminum Company and Rose Aluminum Company.
Media partners for the show are Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Metro TV, Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, the Heritage, Ghanaian Observer, Business Week and Financial Intelligence. Radio stations that are onboard for the event nationwide include Choice FM, Rite FM, Skyy Power, Aseda FM, Eagle FM, Ahomka FM, Fylla FM, Lorlonyo FM, Assh FM and Ark FM.
Ms. Akosa also revealed plans for a regional food competition the between Ghana National Caterers Association and students from the National Vocational and Technical Institutions to be held in the regions. Besides the competition there will be Practical Field Demonstrations by five Agricultural Training Colleges and daily seminars which would attempt to address the myriad challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
According to the exhibition director, the increase in sponsorship for the show is an indication of the commitment from both private and public sectors to transform the country’s agricultural sector into a modern one.
She said such collaborations of stakeholders were necessary since government cannot embark upon the task of revolutionalizing the agricultural sector.
She noted further that the theme for this year’s show, “Sustainable agriculture through appropriate technology,” will offer new business opportunities in the agricultural sector for companies to invest in especially in the area of modern agricultural technologies.
Ms Akosa called on other exhibitors and stakeholders who are not yet on board to do so “so that together we can promote sustainability in our agricultural sector.”
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE NATIONAL Food and Agric Show (FAGRO), slated to take place in Accra from October 12-17 this year has received support from over 40 companies both international and local including media partners ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the show.
In a chat with DAILY GUIDE, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Exhibition Director for FAGRO which will be held at the Ghana International Trade Fair Center said based on the large number of companies that have expressed their commitment to support event, it is bound to be an enormous success.
She said companies who have shown interest are operating at various levels in the agricultural value chain system ranging from manufacturing, marketing, finance and agro-chemicals to agricultural support-based organizations in the country.
They include Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Millennium Development Authority (MIDA), Prairie Aveyime Rice, CFAO-Ghana, Yara-Ghana, Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF), First Capital Plus and Pioneer Food Cannery.
She said others are Cottage Italia, Indomie, ACDI VOCA/ADVANS GHANA, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPPS), Pepsi, Gablin Foods Limited, Borges Olive Oil, Somovision, Sigma Group, Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), Traditional Caterers Association, DOMOD Aluminum Company and Rose Aluminum Company.
Media partners for the show are Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Metro TV, Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, the Heritage, Ghanaian Observer, Business Week and Financial Intelligence. Radio stations that are onboard for the event nationwide include Choice FM, Rite FM, Skyy Power, Aseda FM, Eagle FM, Ahomka FM, Fylla FM, Lorlonyo FM, Assh FM and Ark FM.
Ms. Akosa also revealed plans for a regional food competition the between Ghana National Caterers Association and students from the National Vocational and Technical Institutions to be held in the regions. Besides the competition there will be Practical Field Demonstrations by five Agricultural Training Colleges and daily seminars which would attempt to address the myriad challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
According to the exhibition director, the increase in sponsorship for the show is an indication of the commitment from both private and public sectors to transform the country’s agricultural sector into a modern one.
She said such collaborations of stakeholders were necessary since government cannot embark upon the task of revolutionalizing the agricultural sector.
She noted further that the theme for this year’s show, “Sustainable agriculture through appropriate technology,” will offer new business opportunities in the agricultural sector for companies to invest in especially in the area of modern agricultural technologies.
Ms Akosa called on other exhibitors and stakeholders who are not yet on board to do so “so that together we can promote sustainability in our agricultural sector.”
Organic Fertilizer for Farmers
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE DEPUTY MINISTER for Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in charge of crops, Yaw Effa-Baffi has urged farmers, Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and players in the agricultural industry to consider shifting away from encouraging the use of chemical fertilizers to organic ones.
According to him, the basic idea of using fertilizers is to boost food and raw material production to feed our factories and ensure food sufficiency but the high cost of these chemical fertilizers rather increases the overhead cost of production for farmers and leave negative residual effects on the soil.
The deputy minister made the observation in a speech read on his behalf by Vesper Suglo, Director of Land Protection and Regulatory Directorate in Accra during the launch of the new organic fertilizers DI Grow Green and the DI Grow Red.
Effa-Baffi said “the cost of chemical fertilizers is about US $700 per ton using urea as the standard in inland areas like Malawi and Uganda. This price increases when transport cost is added and this is not too different from Ghana,” he said.
He was of the view that “even if fertilizers are used rather than agro forestry technologies, you must sell enough crops to pay for the cost of the fertilizer meaning other technologies such us the organic ones that require less cash and cheaper inputs is the technology to be embraced,” he added.
Mr. Effa-Baffi said it’s about time Africa and Ghana shifted from obsolete practices that destroy soil and invest in soil health so far as it is at the lowest safe option available.
“Accessing plant nutrients at lowest cost, planting fertilizer trees, nitrogen fixing leguminous trees as well as providing mineral and organic nutrients are possible sources that enrich the soil fertility.”
For Joseph Tontoh, President of VEPEAG, crops grown with organic fertilizers are always free from chemicals and toxins that affect people’s health.
“Most people are moving away from consuming food substances produced with chemical fertilizers. For this reason organic agricultural products are safe and even attract higher economic return for farmers.”
According to Tontoh, organic fertilizers leave no chemical residue in the soil after production and increases plant resistance against diseases. These characteristics he said protect smallholder farmers from spending too much on insecticides and pesticides.
He believes that adhering to the use of organic fertilizers would encourage the country’s produce industry to enter organic niche markets across the global.
DI-Grow Green and the Red organic liquid fertilizer are produced from seaweeds. They enhance crop blossoming and produce no residue in the soil after use. It has the ability of improving the soil’s water holding capacity and improves soil structure as well.
The DI-Grow Red Liquid fertilizer encourages fruit setting and therefore improves fruit yielding outputs. It also prevents flower and fruit shedding thereby maximizing output.
This family of organic fertilizers also enhances fertility in livestock and in beds.
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE DEPUTY MINISTER for Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in charge of crops, Yaw Effa-Baffi has urged farmers, Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and players in the agricultural industry to consider shifting away from encouraging the use of chemical fertilizers to organic ones.
According to him, the basic idea of using fertilizers is to boost food and raw material production to feed our factories and ensure food sufficiency but the high cost of these chemical fertilizers rather increases the overhead cost of production for farmers and leave negative residual effects on the soil.
The deputy minister made the observation in a speech read on his behalf by Vesper Suglo, Director of Land Protection and Regulatory Directorate in Accra during the launch of the new organic fertilizers DI Grow Green and the DI Grow Red.
Effa-Baffi said “the cost of chemical fertilizers is about US $700 per ton using urea as the standard in inland areas like Malawi and Uganda. This price increases when transport cost is added and this is not too different from Ghana,” he said.
He was of the view that “even if fertilizers are used rather than agro forestry technologies, you must sell enough crops to pay for the cost of the fertilizer meaning other technologies such us the organic ones that require less cash and cheaper inputs is the technology to be embraced,” he added.
Mr. Effa-Baffi said it’s about time Africa and Ghana shifted from obsolete practices that destroy soil and invest in soil health so far as it is at the lowest safe option available.
“Accessing plant nutrients at lowest cost, planting fertilizer trees, nitrogen fixing leguminous trees as well as providing mineral and organic nutrients are possible sources that enrich the soil fertility.”
For Joseph Tontoh, President of VEPEAG, crops grown with organic fertilizers are always free from chemicals and toxins that affect people’s health.
“Most people are moving away from consuming food substances produced with chemical fertilizers. For this reason organic agricultural products are safe and even attract higher economic return for farmers.”
According to Tontoh, organic fertilizers leave no chemical residue in the soil after production and increases plant resistance against diseases. These characteristics he said protect smallholder farmers from spending too much on insecticides and pesticides.
He believes that adhering to the use of organic fertilizers would encourage the country’s produce industry to enter organic niche markets across the global.
DI-Grow Green and the Red organic liquid fertilizer are produced from seaweeds. They enhance crop blossoming and produce no residue in the soil after use. It has the ability of improving the soil’s water holding capacity and improves soil structure as well.
The DI-Grow Red Liquid fertilizer encourages fruit setting and therefore improves fruit yielding outputs. It also prevents flower and fruit shedding thereby maximizing output.
This family of organic fertilizers also enhances fertility in livestock and in beds.
Fishing Industry Gets Regulation
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept. 1,2010
THE MINISTER of Food and Agriculture, Kwasi Ahwoi has called for collaboration among players in the fishing industry, the Police and Navy to support the implementation of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968) that seeks to thoroughly regulate activities in the fishing sector.
Mr. Ahwoi noted that the lack of a clear regulatory framework for the fishing industry had made it difficult for the resources to be properly developed, managed, regulated and fully exploited.
The minister disclosed this at the launch of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968), which was recently passed by parliament to give a legal framework and clear guidelines to major players in the industry.
Enforcement of this law, he said, would help curb pair trawling which threatens the industry, usage of poisonous chemicals, blasting of dynamites that destroys marine life and prevent people from catching premature fish and extinct species, a practice that is against international standards.
The legal document, the minister said, has provided comprehensive requirements for the acquisition and registration of vessels.
The document also offers the operators the opportunity to license their vessels, monitor and control systems to enhance the industry.
Mr. Ahwoi said measures have been put in place to import and export fish to enhance the growth of aquaculture in the country.
“Currently aquaculture and its related activities are being promoted along modern scientific lines and have been given a clear provision in the regulatory document,” he said.
These, he said, would cover fish feed producers, aquaculture researches and record-keeping methods that would help develop the sector to improve the country’s socio-economic growth.
Canoe owners, vessel, fishmongers and the Fisheries Associations of Ghana (NAFAG) at the launch applauded the efforts of the ministry and stakeholders in developing the legal document to guide the sector
They noted that its implementation should be guided by a human face devoid of undue pressure, intimidation and partiality among others that could brew confusion and uncertainty.
The Deputy Minister of MOFA in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale noted that government was aware of the fact that hitches that may rise during the implementation stage, adding that it would intensify education by using comprehensive awareness creation methods to enhance its smooth running.
“We are going to translate the regulatory document into local languages for those who can not read English to benefit and we would as well reach out to them by disseminating the information,” he added.
Mr. Namoale mentioned that the fishing industry contributes about 4.5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and assured that government would develop the industry to improve the living conditions of the people.
Daily Guide: Sept. 1,2010
THE MINISTER of Food and Agriculture, Kwasi Ahwoi has called for collaboration among players in the fishing industry, the Police and Navy to support the implementation of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968) that seeks to thoroughly regulate activities in the fishing sector.
Mr. Ahwoi noted that the lack of a clear regulatory framework for the fishing industry had made it difficult for the resources to be properly developed, managed, regulated and fully exploited.
The minister disclosed this at the launch of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968), which was recently passed by parliament to give a legal framework and clear guidelines to major players in the industry.
Enforcement of this law, he said, would help curb pair trawling which threatens the industry, usage of poisonous chemicals, blasting of dynamites that destroys marine life and prevent people from catching premature fish and extinct species, a practice that is against international standards.
The legal document, the minister said, has provided comprehensive requirements for the acquisition and registration of vessels.
The document also offers the operators the opportunity to license their vessels, monitor and control systems to enhance the industry.
Mr. Ahwoi said measures have been put in place to import and export fish to enhance the growth of aquaculture in the country.
“Currently aquaculture and its related activities are being promoted along modern scientific lines and have been given a clear provision in the regulatory document,” he said.
These, he said, would cover fish feed producers, aquaculture researches and record-keeping methods that would help develop the sector to improve the country’s socio-economic growth.
Canoe owners, vessel, fishmongers and the Fisheries Associations of Ghana (NAFAG) at the launch applauded the efforts of the ministry and stakeholders in developing the legal document to guide the sector
They noted that its implementation should be guided by a human face devoid of undue pressure, intimidation and partiality among others that could brew confusion and uncertainty.
The Deputy Minister of MOFA in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale noted that government was aware of the fact that hitches that may rise during the implementation stage, adding that it would intensify education by using comprehensive awareness creation methods to enhance its smooth running.
“We are going to translate the regulatory document into local languages for those who can not read English to benefit and we would as well reach out to them by disseminating the information,” he added.
Mr. Namoale mentioned that the fishing industry contributes about 4.5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and assured that government would develop the industry to improve the living conditions of the people.
Ghana’s Fish deficit Hits 460,000 Tonnes
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
THE CHAIRMAN of the Fisheries Commission, Mike Akyeampong has hinted that though Ghana’s fishing industry is contributing significantly to socio-economic development of the country various measures must be adopted to address the yawning deficit of about 460,000 tonnes.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that “Ghana’s annual total requirement of fish is estimated at 880,000 tonnes while annual fish production averaged 420, 000 tonnes in 2007, leaving an annual deficit of 460,000 tonnes.”
In an interview with DAILY GUIDE last week in Accra he noted that the total input in the fisheries sector in 2007 amounted to 212,945.42 tonnes, which was valued at US$262 million, stressing that “Ghana is not self sufficient in fish production.”
He was of the view that the development of aquaculture would help bridge the yawning gap.
The Ghana Statistical Service in 2002 revealed that about 2 million people, representing about 10 per cent of the nation’s population, depend on the sector for their livelihood.
It was also estimated that Ghana’s per capital fish consumption increased above the global average of 13kg per capital to about 23kg per capital in 2007.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that in view of the potential that exist in the fishing industry it would be prudent to exploit the resources as demanded by international conventions.
Specific estimates at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) indicate that 110, 000 small-scale fishermen are engaged in the marine sector with many women engaged in processing, marketing and ancillary activities.
The Chairman of the Fisheries Commission said about 71,000 people were found to be small-scale fishermen along the Volta lake with over 20,000 women operating in the marketing sector. These, he noted, point to the fact that the fishing sector supports many people, explaining that it could create more jobs for the people.
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
THE CHAIRMAN of the Fisheries Commission, Mike Akyeampong has hinted that though Ghana’s fishing industry is contributing significantly to socio-economic development of the country various measures must be adopted to address the yawning deficit of about 460,000 tonnes.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that “Ghana’s annual total requirement of fish is estimated at 880,000 tonnes while annual fish production averaged 420, 000 tonnes in 2007, leaving an annual deficit of 460,000 tonnes.”
In an interview with DAILY GUIDE last week in Accra he noted that the total input in the fisheries sector in 2007 amounted to 212,945.42 tonnes, which was valued at US$262 million, stressing that “Ghana is not self sufficient in fish production.”
He was of the view that the development of aquaculture would help bridge the yawning gap.
The Ghana Statistical Service in 2002 revealed that about 2 million people, representing about 10 per cent of the nation’s population, depend on the sector for their livelihood.
It was also estimated that Ghana’s per capital fish consumption increased above the global average of 13kg per capital to about 23kg per capital in 2007.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that in view of the potential that exist in the fishing industry it would be prudent to exploit the resources as demanded by international conventions.
Specific estimates at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) indicate that 110, 000 small-scale fishermen are engaged in the marine sector with many women engaged in processing, marketing and ancillary activities.
The Chairman of the Fisheries Commission said about 71,000 people were found to be small-scale fishermen along the Volta lake with over 20,000 women operating in the marketing sector. These, he noted, point to the fact that the fishing sector supports many people, explaining that it could create more jobs for the people.
Gov’t Encourages Fertilizer Use
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
GOVERNMENT has encouraged farmers to change from fertilizer application of 8kg per hectare to 20kg per hectare, which is an approved standard by NEPAD for countries in the sub-region.
Most farmers are ignorant about the proper application of the correct amount of fertilizers per hectare to boost their yield.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE, Justice Amoah, Deputy Director of Field Service, who doubles as the Desk Officer for Fertilizer Supply System, said that lack of education, high cost of fertilizers, among others contribute significantly to the low fertilizer application that affect production.
This, according to him, has been a source of worry to government, adding that some of the farmers obtain the coupons and hide them while others divert the coupons from getting to the actual beneficiaries.
According to Mr. Amoah, government has decided to introduce the Waybill system, explaining that fertilizer companies would have to import, clear the fertilizers from the ports, pay all charges and deliver them to the designated regions and districts.
“We would therefore pay the recommended subsidy per 50kg after sales upon presentation and reconciliation of the relevant waybills presented by the companies after its authentication by regional or district directors of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,” he said.
He noted that government’s fertilizer subsidy programme for the 2010 farming season was 100,000 metric tonnes at the cost of GH¢32 million.
GH¢ 6.5 is paid for clearing, GH¢ 5.00 for transport and GH¢.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢ 17.00 for NPK.
This means that government is paying GH¢ 17.00 out of the approved price of GH¢27.00 for 50kg bag of NPK fertilizer.
For Urea, government pays GH¢ 6.5 for clearing, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading while GH¢ 3.5 goes for the incidentals adding up to GH¢15.00, which is the subsidized amount out of the approved selling price of GH¢25.00.
With regard to Sulphate of Amonia, GH¢6.5 is paid as clearing charges, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading and GH¢4.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢16 out of the approved selling price of GH¢18.00 irrespective of which part of the country they find themselves.
In countries like Latin America 99kg is applied per a hectare, 109kg/ha in South Asia and 149kg/ha in East and South East Asia.
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
GOVERNMENT has encouraged farmers to change from fertilizer application of 8kg per hectare to 20kg per hectare, which is an approved standard by NEPAD for countries in the sub-region.
Most farmers are ignorant about the proper application of the correct amount of fertilizers per hectare to boost their yield.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE, Justice Amoah, Deputy Director of Field Service, who doubles as the Desk Officer for Fertilizer Supply System, said that lack of education, high cost of fertilizers, among others contribute significantly to the low fertilizer application that affect production.
This, according to him, has been a source of worry to government, adding that some of the farmers obtain the coupons and hide them while others divert the coupons from getting to the actual beneficiaries.
According to Mr. Amoah, government has decided to introduce the Waybill system, explaining that fertilizer companies would have to import, clear the fertilizers from the ports, pay all charges and deliver them to the designated regions and districts.
“We would therefore pay the recommended subsidy per 50kg after sales upon presentation and reconciliation of the relevant waybills presented by the companies after its authentication by regional or district directors of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,” he said.
He noted that government’s fertilizer subsidy programme for the 2010 farming season was 100,000 metric tonnes at the cost of GH¢32 million.
GH¢ 6.5 is paid for clearing, GH¢ 5.00 for transport and GH¢.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢ 17.00 for NPK.
This means that government is paying GH¢ 17.00 out of the approved price of GH¢27.00 for 50kg bag of NPK fertilizer.
For Urea, government pays GH¢ 6.5 for clearing, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading while GH¢ 3.5 goes for the incidentals adding up to GH¢15.00, which is the subsidized amount out of the approved selling price of GH¢25.00.
With regard to Sulphate of Amonia, GH¢6.5 is paid as clearing charges, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading and GH¢4.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢16 out of the approved selling price of GH¢18.00 irrespective of which part of the country they find themselves.
In countries like Latin America 99kg is applied per a hectare, 109kg/ha in South Asia and 149kg/ha in East and South East Asia.
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