Agricultural engineers discuss ways to boost food production
The Ghana Society of Agricultural Engineering (GSAE) has appealed to government to work closely with development partners to stimulate massive investment in agricultural engineering training programmes.
Dr Daniel Lantei Lamptey, President of GSAE, said support for Post-Graduate Programmes in that sector at the Universities could generate economically sustainable technology for soil improvement, development of high-yielding crops and irrigation systems as well as storage facilities to maximize production.
He was addressing the two-day fifth national conference of the Society, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, on the theme: “Agricultural Engineering for commercial food production and environmental sustainability in Ghana”.
Topics discussed include; “Integration of biogas technology into the farming system”, “Farmers’ willingness to grow energy crops for bio-fuel production”, “Effect of climate variability on crop yield and extension of improved energy-saving stoves for production.”
Dr Lamptey expressed regret that after 54 years of independence, Ghana could only boast of one educational institution that awards degree in Agricultural Engineering.
He said this had affected the country’s ability to achieve significant agricultural growth as most farmers continued to depend on outmoded farming practices.
Prof. William Otoo Ellis, Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, said there was the need to promote the use of science and technology in the nation’s agriculture.
Mr Ibrahim Adam, Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank, said the bank would support initiatives aimed at enhancing food production.
Source: GNA