Techiman North moves to end post-harvest losses with new storage facilities and irrigation plans

In a significant move to bolster the local agricultural sector, the Techiman North District Assembly has announced ambitious plans to establish modern storage facilities and develop irrigation systems.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Johnson Kwabena Adom, unveiled these plans during his address at the Third Ordinary Meeting of the Third Session of the Fourth Assembly on Thursday, October 29.

Addressing the assembly at the main conference hall in Tuobodom, the DCE emphasized that while the district is making strides in various sectors, the sustainability and growth of agriculture remain a top priority.

He outlined a strategic vision aimed at not just increasing production, but also protecting the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring food security.

The DCE's address highlighted a comprehensive approach to tackling the perennial challenge of post-harvest losses, a major concern for farmers in the district.

"To address post-harvest losses, Management is planning for the establishment of a modern storage facility to improve the preservation of agricultural produce and reduce wastage," Hon. Adom stated. "This initiative is expected to help farmers preserve their produce and minimize losses, particularly during periods of excess supply."

This commitment to storage infrastructure is part of a broader strategy that also focuses on water security for farming. The Assembly's development project list includes the drilling and mechanization of multiple boreholes with solar-powered systems across various communities, including Akonkonti-Nyamebekyere, Brentu, Bridgeso, and Dampa.

While these are primarily for potable water, the DCE’s emphasis on agricultural support signals a clear recognition that water availability is critical for year-round farming and a stepping stone towards more robust irrigation systems.

He further noted that the Assembly is collaborating with development partners to support agro-processing initiatives, which will create ready markets for raw produce and add value to the agricultural value chain. He acknowledged the crucial role of the Member of Parliament in attracting additional agro-processing factories to the district, a move expected to create reliable markets for local farmers.

Beyond infrastructure, the DCE detailed several programmes designed to directly empower farmers.

Under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, he reported that 1,500 bags of fertilizer were distributed to 783 farmers in the third quarter of 2026 alone. The beneficiaries included 268 females and 515 males, demonstrating a commitment to supporting all segments of the farming community.

The DCE also announced that the district has been selected to benefit from the Ghana Women and Youth Employment and Social Cohesion (GWYESCO) Programme. This initiative, in partnership with GRATIS Foundation, will provide competency-based technical training to artisans, agro-processors, and smallholder farmers.

"This initiative is expected to strengthen the Assembly’s local economic development agenda by building the capacity of artisans, agro-processors and smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth," Hon. Adom explained, adding that it will promote "employment creation, enterprise development, improved productivity, increased income opportunities, technology adoption and stronger local value chains."

Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to celebrating and rewarding the district's farmers. He proudly recalled that the overall best farmer in the district last year received a brand-new vehicle and announced that the 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration would be held on Friday, 4th December 2026, under the theme "Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Culture."

He called on all assembly members, corporate organizations, and development partners to support the celebration, underscoring the vital role farmers play in the district's development.

The address painted a picture of a district on the move, with a clear focus on building a resilient agricultural economy. By tackling post-harvest losses head-on through storage and irrigation, and by investing directly in the skills and resources of its farmers, the Techiman North District Assembly is working to ensure that the fruits of the land translate into lasting prosperity for its people.