The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as part of his visit to the Tongu Central Constituency, has made a strong commitment to prioritize agriculture as the centerpiece of his administration, should he become President. His vision reflects a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges faced by farmers in Ghana.
From irrigation and technology to mechanization and processing, Dr. Bawumia outlined a roadmap designed to enhance productivity, modernize agricultural practices, and create sustainable economic opportunities for farming communities across the country.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for irrigation and advanced technology to support the country’s agricultural sector. According to him, these two elements will be critical in transforming farming and ensuring that Ghana’s farmers can thrive in a competitive global market.
“Agriculture will be my biggest priority as President to help the farmers. We are going to bring irrigation. We are going to bring technology.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
This he emphasized underscoring the centrality of modern solutions to address the challenges of climate change, irregular rainfall, and low productivity.
His administration plans to bring irrigation systems to farming districts across the country, ensuring that farmers have access to water resources year-round, thereby extending the farming season and boosting crop yields.
Agricultural Infrastructure and Mechanization
He noted that his administration would replicate the success of the “drip program” which provided equipment for road construction, but this time for agricultural mechanization.
“In every farming district, Central Tongo and every district in Ghana, what we have done for the roads with the drip program to give equipment for the construction of the road, we are going to bring agricultural equipment to every district for the farmers of this country.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
This mechanization strategy, according to Dr. Bawumia, will alleviate the burden of manual labor, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately lead to increased efficiency and higher profitability for farmers.
“Every district will have a District Agricultural Mechanization Center where we have tractors, we have combined harvesters, we have planters, all farming equipment that is available so that the farmers when they need it, can get it to do their farming.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Adding Value: Cassava Processing Factories
One of the key aspects of Dr. Bawumia’s agricultural policy is his focus on value addition.
He recognized that farming does not end with the harvest and that processing is a critical component of agricultural success. He specifically identified cassava as a crop with immense potential for value-added processing.
“After we farm, you will need to process your goods. And I’ve been talking with Godwin, and we are going to establish a cassava processing factory for you to process your cassava when you farm your produce.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
This initiative is particularly important because it addresses one of the long-standing challenges in Ghana’s agricultural sector—the inability to process raw farm produce locally, leading to losses and diminished profits for farmers.
With the establishment of these factories, cassava farmers will be able to convert their produce into finished goods, such as starch and flour, which have higher market value and longer shelf life.
Supporting Local Industries
Dr. Bawumia assured the farming community that establishing the cassava processing factory would not pose any significant challenges.
“That is not going to be a problem here. We’ve looked at all that it will take, and it will not be a difficulty for us to give you a cassava processing factory.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
This factory will not only enhance the value of cassava production but also create jobs for the local population, stimulate rural economies, and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural value chain. By promoting agro-processing, Dr. Bawumia aimed to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable for farmers, thereby improving their livelihoods and helping to reduce poverty in rural areas.
A Vision of Agricultural Empowerment
His commitment to providing irrigation, technology, and mechanization, alongside the creation of processing facilities, demonstrates a keen understanding of the challenges faced by farmers and the opportunities that lie ahead. As he prepares for a potential presidency, Dr. Bawumia reassured the farming community that agriculture will remain at the forefront of his policies, promising tangible results that will elevate the industry and the lives of those who depend on it.
”Give me the opportunity, and together we will transform agriculture in this country for the benefit of all farmers” he concluded, signaling his unwavering dedication to the cause.
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