GSA FOCUSES ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
The
Ghana Science Association has held its 16th Biennial Workshop in
Kumasi on the theme, “Combating Pests Through Climate Smart Agriculture”.
Climate Smart Agriculture refers to as agriculture that sustainably increases
productivity, enhances crop resilience to drought, pests and diseases, and
promotes national food security and development goals.
The Minister for Food
and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto in an address for him, at the
function, said planning efforts are urgently needed to target and implement
agricultural adaptation and mitigation options in line with government
strategies, such as the national climate change action plans. In line with
this, government has put in place the National Climate-Smart Agriculture and
Food Security Action Plan.
He said the Action Plan defines implementation
programmes in the respective agro-ecological zones and in the various district.
What remains crucial now is the allocation of resources to effectively
implement the Plan.
Dr. Akoto noted that climate change will continue to have
significant and generally negative impacts on agriculture and growth
prospects.
He said in the face of
adverse impacts of climate change on agricultural systems, including increased
incidence of pests and diseases, Ghana’s food security situation will continue
to be under threat.
Dr. Akoto therefore urged scientists to develop
technologies to improve on-farm water storage and irrigation, access to crop
varieties that are more tolerant of droughts, pests, floods and salinity.
The
National President of Ghana Science Association, Professor Moses Eghan said the
Association since its formation in 1959, has not only promoted development of
science and technology in the country, but also highlighted issues of national
importance regularly at its biennial annual workshops and conferences.
He said
some of the recommendations made to government have resulted in the formulation
of policies and establishment of important institutions that continue to
contribute to national development.
Comments
Post a Comment