AgricFair Highlights Innovations at 41st Farmers Day in Volta

Innovations in Agriculture Take Center Stage at AgricFair
At this year’s AgricFair, held in Ho as part of Ghana’s 41st Farmers Day celebrations, innovative agricultural technologies were the highlight of the event. The fair, which took place on December 3, 2025, served as a platform for researchers and agribusiness institutions to showcase modern solutions aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices.
Several key organizations participated in the fair, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the KNUST School of Agriculture, the University of Ghana School of Agriculture, and the African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC). These institutions presented a range of advancements that are expected to transform the agricultural landscape in Ghana.
Dr. Rasmus Tse, an agricultural researcher from KNUST, shared insights into his team's work on breeding both indigenous and foreign chicken varieties. According to Dr. Tse, their innovations have led to faster growth rates in the birds, along with improved feed conversion efficiency. This development is seen as a significant step toward enhancing poultry production in the country.
In addition to poultry research, other presenters highlighted advancements in rice and sugarcane development. Dr. Jacob Sarpah and Dr. Hagan, a pathologist from the University of Ghana, provided detailed presentations on Legon rice and industrial sugarcane, respectively. They emphasized the importance of locally developed rice varieties in boosting productivity and ensuring climate resilience.
Dr. Derrick Yamoah Gyasi of the African Agribusiness Consortium introduced a climate-smart rice technology that focuses on controlled water use through the use of piezometers. This technology has the potential to reduce methane emissions by 50% and cut water usage by 30%. By monitoring water levels daily and ensuring they do not exceed five centimeters, the system helps suppress methane production, making it a more environmentally friendly approach to rice cultivation.
Madam Fatima Yakubu, the Mechanisation Coordinator at AAC, spoke about the organization’s efforts to train youth farmers, many of whom are women, under the Youth Farmer Entrepreneur Programme. Each trainee is allocated one hectare to practice the full technology, from water release to harvesting. This initiative aims to empower young people with the skills needed to succeed in agriculture.
Furthermore, the AAC has procured approximately 700 tonnes of rice this year, providing ready markets for farmers and ensuring a stable supply chain. This move is expected to support local farmers and encourage more investment in the sector.
Madam Rosemary Abbey, Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, praised the institutions for the practical innovations showcased at the fair. She emphasized that the technologies presented demonstrate that Ghana is on the right path to achieving sustainable agriculture. Her message was clear: continued innovation and collaboration are essential for the future of the sector.

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