Ghana has imported from Hungary a new water retainer technology to alleviate drought and dehydration in tree crops and cocoa, which will be distributed to farmer groups and co-operatives recognized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Ghana is currently facing drought and dehydration challenges due to climate change, and Hungarian technology will help address these.
Kofi Asmah, Chairman of the Ghanaian Hungarian Business Council, said the agreement is an important milestone in bilateral relations and a timely intervention at a time when planting season is just beginning across Ghana.
According to him, Hungary’s EXIM Bank has funds available for valid, sustainable projects in the agricultural, water and sewage fields.
During his recent visit to Ghana, the Hungarian President, János Ader, praised Ghana as having a “promising economy and a stable, democratic system” that occupied a “prominent role” in Hungary’s Africa policy.
Talks between the two presidents centred on two model farms constructed with Hungarian assistance in Ghana, using Hungarian experience to develop grains and plants that tolerate a wide range of climates.
Climate change in Ghana has led to an unpredictable rainfall pattern, meaning that most plantation and cocoa farmers in Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo and the Western North are likely to miss their production targets this year.
Ghana’s economy, which is heavily dependent on returns from the export of cocoa and other tree crops, faces severe consequences from this.
Hungarian company Water&Soil Kft developed an organic soil conditioner that enables plants to take up water and diminishes the effects of drought.
In response to Ghana’s harsh weather conditions, Water&Soil has pledged to provide water retainer systems to all farmers.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture approved the use of water retainers on cocoa, vegetables, and other crops in 2020.