The Upper East Region of Ghana has the potential to significantly increase food production and support year-round farming if its irrigation infrastructure is fully utilised. According to Dr Dominic Anarigide, Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of the Upper Region (ICOUR), the region's irrigation schemes have sufficient water to support more intensive agricultural production. This includes multiple cropping cycles for some crops.
Dr Anarigide stated that the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes have enough water to support more farming activities. He mentioned that with proper planning, some crops can be cultivated three times a year in these areas. However, he identified underutilisation of irrigation facilities, maintenance challenges, and problems with parts of the Vea canal system as constraints preventing farmers from taking full advantage of the available water.
ICOUR is working to expand year-round production by targeting 500 hectares under the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes for tomato cultivation. The company aims to increase food production and create employment opportunities for the local population. Dr Anarigide emphasised that attention must shift from merely having irrigation infrastructure to ensuring the facilities function efficiently and enable farmers to produce throughout the year.
At Tono, preliminary figures indicate that average rice yields are 6.9 tonnes per hectare. However, farmers continue to face challenges securing reliable markets for their produce. Dr Anarigide argued that fully utilising the region's irrigation potential could increase food production, create employment opportunities, and reduce farmers' dependence on increasingly unpredictable rainfall.
The ICOUR Managing Director noted that the region's irrigation infrastructure has the potential to transform the agricultural sector. He stressed that with proper maintenance and utilisation, the irrigation schemes can support a wide range of crops, including tomatoes, rice, and other staple foods. This, in turn, can help improve food security and reduce poverty in the region.
Dr Anarigide's comments come as the region seeks to improve its agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on rainfall. The ICOUR is working to address the challenges facing farmers, including maintenance issues and market access. By fully utilising the region's irrigation potential, farmers can increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.
The Irrigation Company of the Upper Region (ICOUR) is a key player in the region's agricultural sector. The company is responsible for managing the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes, which provide water to thousands of farmers. By targeting 500 hectares for tomato cultivation, ICOUR aims to increase food production and create new opportunities for farmers in the region.
Key points
- The Upper East Region can increase food production by fully utilising its irrigation infrastructure.
- ICOUR is targeting 500 hectares under the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes for tomato cultivation.
- Fully utilising the region's irrigation potential can create employment opportunities and reduce farmers' dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
