Agrihouse Foundation has successfully organized the second edition of the Ghana Agrochemicals and Crop Protection Exhibition and Awards (GACA) at the Techiman Community Center.
The two-day event, themed “Sustaining the Climate and the Environment: The Role of Input Dealers,” provided a platform for industry players in agriculture to explore modern farming technologies and sustainable practices aimed at improving productivity in Ghana.
The program was chaired by the Techiman Sansamahene, Nana Afena Yeboah Afari, representing the Paramount Chief of Techiman, Nana Oseadeɛyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV. It was graced by the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, representatives from the Techiman Traditional Council, officials from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate, Agricultural Extension Agents, agrochemical companies, farmers, and members of the media.
Throughout the event, leading agrochemical companies showcased their products and innovations, offering farmers insights into the latest crop protection technologies and best practices for safe and effective application.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, explained that the goal of the two-day program is to foster strong relationships between farmers and input dealers within their local communities.
“We have been working with farmers for some time, across our communities, districts and Regions and a common challenge we face after every training session, related to input application best practices, is most farmers, telling us they cannot sustain the practices we have taught them, primarily due to difficulties in accessing farm inputs.
“Since our goal is to introduce interventions that promote the agricultural sector, we decided to launch a preseason event to further strengthen and assist in educating farmers on best practices they should adopt before the farming season begins, to get input dealers to have that one-on-one interactions with farmers and get to introduce their products within various communities, that do not have easy access to inputs, one of the biggest challenges – Input reach and accessibility within communities, we are hoping by this annual event, we can work with input dealers to further expand to every community and district, across the country” She said.
She further disclosed that the foundation aims to educate the youth on the input job opportunities, thereby attracting the youth to venture into Input Dealer and Services support jobs, within our rural communities, are have challenges in accessing input. Beyond creating jobs for the youth, a huge impact and solution would be provided, which will strengthen farmers to increase their yields further.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, commended Agrihouse Foundation for its role in advancing Ghana’s agricultural input sector, emphasizing the significance of the event in addressing challenges faced by farmers, who either do not have access to input or even understand appropriate application structures.
“This program is of great benefit to the Bono East region. It connects farmers directly with input suppliers, ensuring affordability and accessibility of agricultural products. Moreover, it provides education on the safe use of weedicides and pesticides to prevent harmful effects,” he stated.
He further encouraged farmers to apply the knowledge gained from the program to maximize productivity while protecting the environment.
“If our farmers adopt the best practices introduced here, we will see increased yields and improved food security. It is also crucial for farmers to use the right fertilizers and dispose of chemical containers properly to prevent environmental hazards,” he emphasized.
The event concluded on Friday, March 28, 2035 with a Farm Clinic, a practical session designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in modern agricultural practices.
More than 400 farmers participated, gaining hands-on experience in proper seed sowing techniques, effective fertilizer application, safe and efficient use of pesticides and weedicides, soil management and crop protection, and modern and innovative farming methods. The session received an overwhelmingly positive response from farmers.
“Before attending this exhibition, we struggled with issues like crop diseases and post-harvest losses. But now, we have learned about innovative solutions that will significantly improve our farming operations,” a farmer said
Another farmer said, “We are grateful to Agrihouse Foundation. They came to Techiman last year and promised to organize the event again this year. I’m really happy they fulfilled their promise because this event has been a game-changer for us. We’ve gained invaluable knowledge on how to improve our yields, manage pests and diseases, and adopt more efficient farming techniques.
Another farmer highlighted the financial benefits, stating, “Aside from the knowledge gained, we also purchased farm inputs at very affordable prices.
The exhibition received strong backing from industry stakeholders, including Agromonti Ghana, the main sponsor. The Country Sales Manager for Agromonti Ghana, Mathew Opanin Kwadwo Essuah, disclosed that as the main sponsor of the Ghana Agrochemical Crop Protection Exhibition, they recognizes the vital role of agriculture in Ghana’s economy and is committed to supporting initiatives that educate farmers on best agricultural practices.
Agromonti, a leading importer and distributor of agro-inputs, it has been in existence since 2008, providing essential agricultural products to farmers across all sectors. In addition to supplying agro-inputs, the company offers extension services and trains stakeholders in the agriculture value chain on best agricultural practices.
“We value agriculture, and for this reason, we deemed it relevant to sponsor a program that provides farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve their farming techniques.” He stated.
Comparing this year’s program to last year’s, Mr. Mathew Essuah noted a significant increase in participation from both farmers and input dealers. He further explained that educating farmers is key to increasing yields and ensuring food security in Ghana and pledged to collaborate further with Agrihouse Foundation to extend similar programs to other regions, allowing more farmers nationwide to benefit.
“I can confidently say that this year’s program has witnessed a larger turnout of farmers and input dealers compared to last year’s event.”
“It is our responsibility to educate farmers on best agricultural practices to help them increase their yield and contribute to food security. Moving forward, we will work closely with Agrihouse Foundation to organize similar programs in other regions so that farmers across the country can benefit.” He said
He further urged the government and other stakeholders to support the event to expand its reach to more farmers across the country.
The Marketing and Sales Officer of Green Energy Ghana, Joyce Inkoom expressed her satisfaction with the participation of farmers in the Ghana Agrochemical Crop Protection Exhibition and commended Agrihouse Foundation for organizing the event.
“Observing how the farmers participated in the event, I can confidently say that the feedback from the two-day program has been overwhelmingly positive. It is evident that the farmers are eager to learn, as they recognize this as a valuable opportunity to engage with input dealers and gain knowledge. It is commendable that Agrihouse Foundation has organized this event.” she said
According to her, the theme for the 2nd edition of the Ghana Agrochemical Crop Protection Exhibition aligns with the vision and mission statement of Green Energy Ghana hence their reason to sponsor the event.
“The theme for this year’s program, ‘Sustaining the Climate and the Environment: The Role of Input Dealers,’ aligns perfectly with our company’s vision and mission to promote sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. This is why we proudly decided to sponsor the program.”
She also highlighted the benefits of organic fertilizers, particularly Green Organic Fertilizer by Green Energy Ghana, as a safer alternative to chemical-based fertilizers.
“Many health issues today stem from harmful chemicals used in farming. Our organic fertilizer is 100% natural, enhances soil fertility, and increases crop yield while ensuring environmental safety,” she explained.
During the closing ceremony, Agrihouse Foundation CEO Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting farmers and creating employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. She also urged farmers to embrace innovative farming techniques to help increase their yields
“As I mentioned on the first day, one of the biggest challenges farmers faces during the farming season is access to essential inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, weedicides, pesticides, and other agricultural supplies. Additionally, many farmers lack proper education on best farming practices.
“With the agriculture industry evolving, it is crucial for farmers to embrace innovative ideas that can help them increase their yield and contribute to national food security.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa used the occasion to express her gratitude to the over 20 exhibitors who participated in the program. She further disclosed that the Ghana Agrochemical Crop Protection Exhibition also serves as a platform for job creation for young people aspiring to venture into the agricultural value chain industry.
“Our exhibitors have played a key role in the success of this program. They not only showcased their products but also engaged in meaningful interactions with farmers and collaborated with Agrihouse Foundation to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“Beyond supporting farmers, the Ghana Agrochemical Crop Protection Exhibition also serves as a platform for job creation. Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with input dealers, is committed to helping young people set up input dealer shops in their communities. This initiative will not only ensure easy access to farm inputs but also provide employment opportunities for the youth.” She stated
