Irrigation potentials in Upper East Region huge, but only 60% tapped – ICOUR Engineer
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday April 15, Achibase emphasized the strategic importance of the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes in transforming agriculture in the region.
Sabastian Achibase, an Irrigation Engineer with the Irrigation Company of the Upper Region (ICOUR) has asserted that the Upper East Region holds enormous potential for agricultural development through irrigation, but only 60% of that capacity has been explored so far.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday April 15, Achibase emphasized the strategic importance of the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes in transforming agriculture in the region.
“The future of agriculture under ICOUR is great. Considering the whole country, ICOUR is the biggest scheme and one of the oldest in West Africa,” he noted, expressing optimism about the role the region could play in national food security.
Achibase revealed that the Tono Irrigation Scheme alone supports over 2,000 farmers, including 400 women, who depend on farming as their primary source of livelihood.
Despite the promise irrigation holds, he acknowledged several challenges confronting both ICOUR and the farmers.
These include poor road networks within the irrigation areas, choked water reservoirs, inadequate machinery services, and limited access to essential farm inputs.
He commended Deputy Minister of Agriculture John Dumelo for his recent visit to ICOUR, describing it as a positive step.
Achibase appealed to the government to address the existing challenges to boost productivity and fully harness the region’s irrigation potential.
“Addressing these bottlenecks will not only benefit the farmers but significantly contribute to the agricultural output of the country,” he added.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
