Agrihouse Foundation, a local agricultural advocacy NGO, has inaugurated the first-ever Ghana Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibition and Awards (GACA) at its office in Dzorwulu, Accra. The event is scheduled to take place in Techiman, Bono East Region, from April 18-20, 2024.
Dubbed the Pre-Planting Season Exhibition, this initiative aims to convene agricultural stakeholders such as extension officers, agrochemical scientists, dealers, policymakers, and farmers to discuss effective strategies for disseminating valuable information ahead of the upcoming pre-planting season. The accompanying exhibition serves as a comprehensive platform for trade and networking.
The inaugural edition of the program will also recognize outstanding farmers in the agricultural sector. Alberta Akyaa Akosa, CEO and Founder of Agrihouse, highlighted during the press launch the opportunity for participants to showcase their products and services at the exhibition, including seeds, agricultural machinery, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Reflecting on the challenges of accessing crop protection and nutrition resources a decade ago, Akosa noted the emergence of numerous agro-based companies since then. She stressed the importance of bridging the gap between these companies and farmers to mitigate post-harvest losses, particularly during the current spring season, which demands intervention from crop protection organizations.
Anticipating the participation of approximately five hundred farmers and farming groups, Akosa underscored the exhibition’s potential to contribute significantly to reducing post-harvest losses. She emphasized the ongoing advancements in the agribusiness sector while acknowledging the necessity for continued efforts, particularly in addressing farmers’ access to crop protection agencies. Akosa emphasized the importance of involving innovations, logistics, and crop protection and nutrition agencies in addressing farmers’ concerns effectively.