The government, through the Dubidi Initiative, is targeting the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of rice in the Northern and Northeast Regions as part of its broader effort to boost food production under the “Feed Ghana Programme.” Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the Director in charge of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), shared these plans during a recent visit to farmlands in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the Northeast Region.
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Expanding Farmland and Empowering Youth
During his visit, Dr Otokunor revealed that the initiative has already registered nearly 9,000 farmers, with expectations that the target of 10,000 hectares may soon be surpassed. While the project is initially starting on a pilot basis, it aims to increase food production nationwide.
The pilot will focus on three key food commodities: rice, soya beans, and maize. In the Northern and Northeastern regions, rice and soybeans will be cultivated. At the same time, maize will be grown in the Upper West Region. The government aims to engage 25,000 young men and women in maize farming in the Upper West, with a target of cultivating 50,000 hectares of maize.
Risk Management and Crop Insurance
Dr Otokunor acknowledged that the scale of the initiative comes with significant risks, particularly regarding maize cultivation in the Upper West. However, he emphasized that the government and its partners are taking steps to mitigate these risks, including the provision of crop insurance. “We are making efforts to ensure that if we lose, the insurance will take care of it,” he stated.
The government plans to expand this initiative next year, incorporating large-scale crop insurance to safeguard the investment in these critical farming activities.
Supporting Farmers with Inputs and Partnerships
Dr. Otokunor also highlighted the importance of collaboration with private partners to ensure the initiative’s success. The government will provide vital support to farmers, including seeds, fertilizers, certified seeds, and other essential farm machinery. Additionally, technical support will be offered to help farmers adopt best practices, thereby enhancing their productivity and income.
“This initiative is here to support you now, but we cannot do it alone,” Dr. Otokunor stressed. “We need private partnerships to help make this a success.”
A Future of Sustainable Agriculture
Mallam Abu Zeidu Abudu Hassan, the leader of the farmers, expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing that it would alleviate many of the challenges faced by farmers in the region. He urged his fellow farmers to avoid politicizing the program and focus on sustaining it for the benefit of all farmers in Northern Ghana and beyond.
Through the Dubidi Initiative, the government aims to empower farmers, enhance food production, and foster sustainable livelihoods, thereby ensuring a brighter future for agricultural communities across the region.
