2025 national best farmer urges government to prioritize irrigation infrastructure
The 2025 Overall National Best Farmer, Opanyin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, has made a passionate appeal to the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise investment in irrigation infrastructure across Ghana. His call underscores a critical need for reliable water supply systems to help farmers overcome the unpredictability of rainfall and climate-related challenges.
Speaking shortly after receiving the national award, Adusei said that while recognition is important, the reality on the ground for many farmers remains difficult. “To truly support food security and sustainable farming, we need systems that guarantee water availability throughout the year,” he urged.
The request comes at a time when Ghana’s agricultural sector faces mounting pressure from climate variability, erratic rainfall patterns, and rising input costs. Experts warn that without adequate irrigation, crop yields may be increasingly unpredictable and food security could be compromised. The veteran farmer’s plea adds voice to ongoing calls for structural interventions to safeguard agricultural productivity.
Government officials and agricultural stakeholders have in recent years emphasised the need for climate-resilient farming practices, including expansion of irrigation systems, mechanisation, and modern extension services. The push aligns with national objectives to stabilise crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses and support rural livelihoods.
The potential benefits of robust irrigation infrastructure are manifold. Reliable water supply can enable multiple cropping seasons, reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall, support expansion into cash crops, and enhance resilience against climate-induced droughts. For smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Ghana’s food production, these benefits could transform subsistence farming into profitable agribusiness.
As Ghana works to implement its policy agenda under agricultural modernisation, the call from its most decorated farmer signals urgency on the ground. Whether policymakers respond with concrete investment and plans will determine if Ghana’s agricultural sector can leverage its full potential to feed the nation and build sustainable rural economies.
