ACHIEVEMENTS OF MINISTRIES – MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

JANUARY – JUNE 2011

 

A.        AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES DIRECTORATE (AESD)

The following achievements were recorded by the AESD during the period under review.

Establishment of Agricultural Mechanization Services Centres (AMSEC)

Under the programme facilitating farmers’ access to mechanized services, 87 out of 170 AMSEC centres have been established nationwide.  These centres have been equipped initially with five agricultural tractors and matching implements and some maize shellers.  During quarterly monitoring visits conducted to some centres it was noted that some pro active AMSECs have privately sourced for additional machinery to service farmers along the value chain.  Examples noted were Faby C., Mikleb Co. etc who have sourced for planters, shellers etc

Procurement of Agricultural Machinery/Equipment under Brazilian Government Facility

The Directorate has facilitated the process for the supply of US$ 95.0 million worth of agricultural machinery/equipment under Brazilian Government facility. These machinery/equipment are to be supplied in three tranches with the 1^st tranche of US$35.0 million expected in the country by commencement of the end of the 2nd Quarter 2011.

The machinery/equipment expected include tractors and implements for land preparation, planters, seed drills and boom sprayers for crop management, combine harvesters for harvesting, rice threshers and shellers for primary processing as well as mobile workshops for servicing and repairs of machinery on the field.  These machinery are expected to augment AMSEC facilities and support individual farmers.

Japanese Government Assistance Progamme (2KR – 2009)

The Directorate with support from the Japanese Grant Assistance Programme (2KR-2009) has taken delivery of agricultural machinery/equipment worth US$5.1 million.  The machinery and equipment received and assembled include:

• 125 – agricultural tractors and accessories
• 40 – irrigation pumps and accessories
• 2 – combine harvesters
• 35 – reapers
• 35 – threshers and 1
• 10 – rice mills

The machinery/equipment are being distributed to beneficiaries within six project regions (NR, UER, UWR, AR, GAR and VR).

Mobilization and Deployment of Combine Harvesters to Rice/Maize Production Areas

As part of the Directorates programme of improving the timely harvesting of rice and reducing the drudgery associated with rice harvesting, 165 combine harvesters (rice and maize) have been received, assembled and deployed to rice and maize fields across the country.  This activity has reduced harvesting losses which normally occur as result of manual harvesting and insurgence of bushfire.  This activity is ongoing.  The Directorate facilitates the routine maintenance and repair of these harvesters.

Promotion of Low Capacity and Intermediate Technology along the Value Chain

To ensure that farmers with fragile soils have access to appropriate agricultural machinery, the Directorate facilitated the introduction and promotion of vari mini machinery/equipment systems to farmer groups and individual farmers in the Upper East Region.  The vari mini systems are made up of land preparation machinery (tillers), crop management machinery (irrigation pumps) and primary processing machinery.  The promotion of this technology is ongoing.

Training of farm machinery/equipment operators

To prevent premature breakdown of agricultural machinery, reduce machinery/equipment downtime and ensure effective utilization of agricultural machinery/equipment, the Directorate during the period under review has organized several trainings for machinery operators and beneficiaries, mechanics, technicians and engineers on proper handling, repair and maintenance of agricultural machinery.  So far over 200 beneficiaries have been trained and equipped with requisite skills in the handling of agricultural machinery.

Provision of Mechanized Borehole Services for all year Agriculture

Under the Ministry’s ground water development programme aimed at harvesting groundwater for agricultural purposes, the Directorate has deployed 20 drilling rigs to provide mechanized borehole services for crop and livestock production.  During the period under review over 1000 boreholes have been drilled and mechanized for farmers and agro processors.

Other technologies (reverse osmosis principle) are being explored to treat low quality water as well as sourcing for cheaper alternative means of energy for lifting water.

Promotion of Agro Processing Equipment and Storage Facilities

To minimize post harvest losses during storage and to hold emergency stocks, the Directorate supported the National Food Buffer Stock Company with the installation of grainpro cocoons.  The activity was made up of site assessment and installation of the grainpro cocoons.  In total 3,220 MT capacities of 50MT and 20MT units have been distributed to Central and Northern Regions.  60.35 MT of maize has been stocked in Ejura, Sunyani, Wenchi, Winneba and Cape Coast as well as 1,026MT of maize stocked at Tamale.

During the process of stocking, 50 beneficiaries including AEAs and farmers were trained on grainpro cocoon installation and maintenance.

The Directorate also facilitated the installation of 14 mechanical dryers and solar dryers nationwide to improve quality of stocks for storage and reduce post harvest losses of grains and vegetables.

MOFA Motorcycle Policy

To support the effective extension service delivery especially in the provision of agricultural technologies, monitoring and evaluation, the Directorate facilitated the development of a motorcycle policy to provide a general framework of the planned purchase and deployment of motorcycles to field officers and immediate field supervisors. The policy is intended to deliver effective and efficient services to clients, rationalize the use, management and disposal of the motorcycles in the Ministry.

B.        ANIMAL PRODUCTION DIRECTORATE

In order to boost livestock production and productivity in the country, the following activities were undertaken

• To improve the performance of our local breed of livestock, livestock farmers were supplied 972 improved breed of livestock of various species at a subsidized rate.  This comprises 299 sheep, 80 goats, 339 pigs, 67 cattle and 277 rabbits from the National Livestock Breeding Stations.

• To facilitate effective livestock extension delivery, and easy adoption of livestock extension delivery and production technologies, two Livestock Demonstration Centres were established in Central and Greater Accra regions.  It is estimated that these would enhance livestock production among some 5,000 small scale livestock farmers.

• 20,000 chicks (cockerels) were raised for six weeks and distributed to 1,000 farmers at subsidized rate in 40 districts across six regions (Greater Accra, Volta, Eastern, Central, Ashanti and Western regions).  This is to boost local poultry production.

• 1.4 tons of Stylosanthes seed (leguminous pasture seed) procured for multiplication under the Livestock Development Project has yielded 5.2 tons of viable seed.  This would be distributed to farmers for over sowing of range lands and establishment of fodder banks.  It is an effort geared towards improving grazing materials on the range lands.

C.        DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES

Introduction

The Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) is one of the Technical Directorates of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).  It is responsible for agricultural technology diffusion through the management of an extension service delivery in the country.

Key Achievements

Empower farmers with knowledge

• Produced various extension materials (Technical Video documentary on three selected commodities (oil palm, cowpea and groundnut). The documentaries are ready to be aired on National Television. Extension materials for example, on melons and tomatoes have also been developed and printed

• 2,000 Information Education and Campaign (IEC) materials on HIV/AIDS printed coupled with condoms were distributed to the regions and districts to improve information flow to farmers and general public on the HIV/AIDS pandemic

• Implemented the HIV/AIDS component of selected MoFA projects (EMQAP, Livestock Develop Project and Inland Valley Rice Project)

Farmer Based Organization (FBO)

• FBO website (www.fboghana.com) has been reactivated and made operational
• Registered and clustered 5,600 active FBOs along the value chain in the country and data on them  were logged on the website
• 1,879 executive members of FBOs had been trained by a consultant on Enterprise development modules (Quality Standards in response to demand from clientele, Network development, honouring contractual obligations, lobbying and advocacy)
• 82,289 farmers (58,129 males and 24,160 females) from the regions working with MOFA  were registered
• 2,000 “Manual for Enterprise Development” for FBOs developed, printed and distributed to beneficiary FBO executives
• 3,000 copies of Facilitators and Farmers Handbook on farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) Development printed and distributed to the ten regions.

Encourage Adoption of Technologies

 

• The Directorate coordinates the Government Fertilizer Subsidy programme.  Between 2009 and 2011 a total of 314,039 metric tones of fertilizer (NPK, SOA and Urea) have been subsidized at a total cost of GH134, 202 million.  This year (2011) a total of 150,000mt of fertilizer (NPK, SOA and Urea) is to be subsidized at a cost of 69.82 million Ghana Cedis.

• 24 acres of community demonstration/multiplication sites were established on cassava in 23 districts in ten regions to showcase Good Agricultural Practices to beneficiary farmers.  Newly released cassava varieties (Broni Bankye and Sika Bankye) and other improved varieties such as Bankyehemaa, Esam Bankye, Tech Bankye, Cape Vars Bankye, Abasafitaa and Nkabom are being multiplied for distribution to farmers in the catchment areas to improve on productivity and production of this commodity.

• 7 acres of community demonstration/multiplication sites were established on sweet potato in seven districts.  Newly released sweet potato varieties (Fara, Tech Santom, Ogyefo, Apomodin, Santom Pona and Okumkom) are being multiplied for distribution to farmers in Volta, Central, Upper West, Upper East and Northern region.

Institutional Coordination

• Operationalize an FBO Secretariat that serves the FBO Development Board to give strategic direction for FBO development in Ghana

• Established a desk on “Private Sector Extension” to harmonize and regulate the activities of private sector extension providers (NGOs, Faith Based organization and private companies)

• Training materials on Ghana Standard Board (GSB) standards for prescribed commodities were  purchased, printed and distributed to the regions.  These Technical materials would be used in training regional and district officers in the country.

• Improved the competency of 261 regional and district officers from Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Western and Central regions on the effective use of computer software for data analysis and collation of the farmer registration exercise

• 80 District officers from 30 districts trained on guidelines for the establishment of field demonstrations improved cassava and sweet potato varieties in collaboration with Directorate of Crop Services (DCS)

• 1600 motorcycles and 20 Audio-Visual vans were purchased through the assistance of CIDA. These vehicles had been distributed to the regions to enhance extension delivery in the country.  Some of the regions used these Audio-Visual vans to disseminate technologies to farmers in the districts, especially in Central region, where the Regional Agricultural Office collaborated with GIZ to produce and show video documentary on Cockerel production to farmers in the districts.

• Worked with Ministry of Energy in seeking Cabinet approval for the establishment of a one-million metric tones fertilizer plant to be established at Shama in the Western through a Ghanaian-Indian Joint Venture.

• Youth in Agriculture Policy document were developed and printed

D.        DIRECTORATE OF CROP SERVICES

The Directorate has been able to achieve the following under these main FASDEP objectives

1. Food Security and Emergency Preparedness

• Fourteen of improved seed/planting materials for  cassava (4), rice (6) and maize (4) recommended and approved for release in collaboration with the Crops Research Institute
• Manuals/Protocols for production and guidelines (DUS and VCU) for release and registration in alignment with ECOWAS Variety Release and Registration Procedures developed, validated and finalized for eight different crops
• Capacity of 60 DDA strengthened on the guidelines for the establishment of field demonstrations and adoption of new technologies for farmers to increase agricultural productivity
• Guidelines developed for the production and distribution system of certified seeds and planting materials
• A National Rice Development Strategy Document developed eight concept notes to guide promotional activities on the production, consumption and competitiveness of locally-produced rice
• Through the implementation of Nerica and IVRDP, 4,106 hectares of land have been developed and put under rice cultivation to produce 10,266.5 tons of paddy rice
• Through the implementation of the Rice Sector Support Project 1,500ha of lowland in the Northern and Upper West Regions developed and currently under rice cultivation
  • Through the implementation of the Perennial Crops Promotion Project 1,263 hectares of oil palm plantation have been put under cultivation and 11,912 hectares of rubber plantation maintained in the Western and Central Regions

 

1. Increased Growth in Incomes

• Developed strategic project proposal for the revamping of the coconut production to create employment and enhance income generation
• Established nurseries and multiplication sites for improved seed/planting materials for cashew, tomatoes at the Agricultural Stations for distribution to farmers
• Through the implementation of the Cashew Development Project, 2mt improved cashew seeds and 40,000 grafted cashew seedlings have been distributed to 23 districts
• 1,900mt improved cotton seeds imported and distributed to 30 districts and its currently been used for cultivation

 

1. Increased competitiveness and enhanced integration into domestic and international markets

• Through the implementation of EMQAP, capacity of 1200 farmers have been strengthened to adopt international standards (Global GAP, fair Trade and Organic), production and post-harvest handling of tropical fruits and vegetables

1. Sustainable management of land and environment

• Capacity of 28 AEAs and 150 farmers strengthened on land and water management techniques and practices for adoption to mitigate environmental challenges of climate change
• Carried out due diligences and collaborated with fertilizer importers to establish database for fertilizer imports for planning purposes

1. Improved institutional coordination

• Collaborated with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the private sector to evaluate and revamp the cultivation of cotton

E.        Women in agricultural development directorate (WIAD)

The Women in Agricultural Development Directorate (WIAD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has been implementing its programs with the main aim of supporting household food production for improved nutrition, improving post production management of agricultural produce for increased income and above all achieve household food security.  WIAD also has the task of integrating gender concerns into the policies and programs of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).  The objectives of the Directorate include the following:

1. To contribute to the development and implementation of policies which are beneficial to women farmers, processors in the rural, peri-urban and urban communities.
2. To improve women’s access to production resources including improved agricultural techniques for increased production, higher incomes and a better standard of living.
3. To ensure Gender sensitivity of all policies, programs and projects of MOFA.

Achievements

1. 1. Gender

a)      Gender Accountability Framework: Planning sessions for a Gender Accountability Framework based on the Gender and Agricultural Development Strategy (GADS) was held in collaboration with CIDA and Directorates of MOFA starting with four directorates (Statistics Research  Information Directorate,  Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services, Human Resource Development and Management Directorate) have so far made input into the framework with the aim to mainstream gender and for their workplans   to be assessed.  So far all the technical Directorates have been covered.

b)      Gender Responsive Budgeting: Fifteen (15) Budget Officers of MOFA in six regions in the southern sector have been trained

 

2) Food Trials

a)  Trials on corn soy bread (multi-grain bread): Eight (8) Bakers in Greater Accra,   (Abokobi, Adenta and Osu) and 8 MOFA staff were trained on the use of soy flour (as a protein fortifier) and corn in bread making.  The product has been widely accepted and has picked up especially at Osu.  The challenge however, is with the production of high quality soy flour, which at the moment is being produced on a very small scale using manual systems.

b)  Trials on soymilk: in order to introduce other flavours of soy milk, sensory tests were carried out on soy milk flavoured with ginger, thyme    and cloves.  There were varied responses but the majority of consumers preferred the ginger flavor.

c)      Trials on NERICA Rice: WIAD conducted trials on ten (10) varieties of NERICA Rice in collaboration with the NERICA Project of the Crop services Directorate to promote local rice.  Various foods including boiled rice, jolloff, fried rice, rice porridge, Omo tuo were tried and a cookery booklet has been developed.

d)     Plantain Flour Utilisation: Production and utilization of Plantain flour for various foods promoted in three Regions (Ashanti, Brong  Ahafo and Western) and a recipe manual printed.

e)      Seidu Beille Yam: A booklet on the various products from this variety of Yam grown around the Bole area has been developed.

f)       Compilation work on indigenous Foods: This is in progress as measurement and nutritional content is being analysed.  This is to support the promotion of local foods through the development of an updated local recipe manual.

3)    Staff Training:

a)   Food Safety: A training program on Food Safety was held  for twenty two    (22)     WIAD Regional staff, sixty (60) Market women in Greater Accra and thirty five (35) District officers.  Training materials included handouts CD documentaries to be used on video vans to further extend information.  A field trip for exposure and Radio programs done in Sunyani and Greater Accra.  Twelve (12) Farmers and Traders of Exotic vegetables in Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality sensitized on production of safe vegetables.  b)  Orientation for New District Staff: 30 new staff to support the delivery of WIAD activities have been posted to the Districts and they have been provided with training in Nutrition, Food Safety and Food Processing among others.

c) Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities and

Planning/Budgeting for Regional Staff:  This covered the 10 Regional      officers

c)      Training in Food Processing Technology in China: Nine (9) officers (Regional/District/National) have so far benefitted from this Training

d)     Women in Leadership and Management Course: Two Officers have benefited

4) Monitoring/Familiarization:

Monitoring and familiarization visit have been conducted in all the Regions to date and various interventions done.

5)  Awareness Program on the Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables on

Radio and TV: This is on-going at various radio stations.

6)   Development of Educational Material: Posters on Soy milk and Flour

Production has been produced to support training on the field.  A flyer on tomato processing completed to support the Districts for small scale tomato processing

7)    Nungua Farmer Demonstration Home: The Conference area is complete and a workshop on possible uses for sustainable running of the Center has been completed.  A draft Food Safety Manual to support Training at the Center has been developed.

8)    Participation in Fairs:

a) National Farmer Day

b) Health and Nutrition Fair

c) Policy Fair

d) NAFAC

e) AGRA

f) Scientific Renaissance Day

g) FARGRO/World Food Day

9)    Other contributions

1. i.            Assessment of Block Farms in Western Region
2. ii.            Evaluation of Afram Plains Agricultural Development
3. iii.            Mid-term Mission of Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing program
4. iv.            Support to the OHCS in training middle level Civil Servant in Ethical Leadership and Quality Productivity
5. v.            Contributing to the development of a Food Safety Policy by the Food and Drugs Board
6. vi.            RELC Planning sessions

F. VETERINARY SERVICES DIRECTORATE (VSD)

As a measure to improve disease early warning system, VSD continued to organise active surveillance for Avian Influenza. This together with the routine passive surveillance provided evidence for absence of Avian Influenza disease and/or infection in the domestic poultry and

Avian Flu and African Horse Sickness Prevention

Also as part of the National Emergency Plan for the Prevention and Response against Avian Influenza in Ghana, VSD organized simulation exercises as a Contingency Plan (CP) consisting of preparedness activities in prevention of any eventuality of AI outbreak in Ghana. Further, as communicable diseases do not respect borders, a cross border meeting involving veterinary experts from Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin and Togo, was held in Sunyani to deliberate on disease situation in the sub-region.

During the later part of 2009, the country was hit by an outbreak of African Horse Sickness, a highly fatal and infectious disease which affects horses, mules and donkeys. A prompt action by way of vaccinating all horses within Greater Accra Region and movement control instituted by the Directorate nib the outbreak bud to prevent the disease from spreading beyond Accra.

Vaccine Production

During the last quarter of 2010, the country secured a project called the Vaccine against Neglected Animal Diseases (VACNADA) for the three northern regions. The project is involved in vaccination of village chicken, guinea fowls and turkeys against Newcastle Disease which usually has mortality close to 80% of rural poultry. A total of 1,026,067 rural poultry have been vaccinated since June 2011.

To ensure that Ghana produces her own quality vaccine to meet international stardards, VACNADA project through Global Alliance for Veterinary Medicine (GALVMED) has refurbished the vaccine production unit, a chicken housing facility at Accra Veterinary Laboratory. GALVMED has also provided the needed equipment, glass ware, reagents and consumables for efficient running of the vaccine production unit of the laboratory.  As import substitution measure, the laboratory is producing 10 million doses of wet I-2 vaccine for a booster vaccination against Newcastle Disease in the three northern regions of the country.

General Disease Surveillance and Control

In order to control Anthrax, Blackleg and Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, which are endemic diseases in the country, the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Pong Tamale from 2009 to date has produced 166,700 doses of Anthrax spore vaccine, 83,600 doses of Blackleg vaccine and 15,700 doses of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia vaccine to avoid foreign import dependency.  Anthrax for example claims human life each year in the three northern regions through consumption of infected meat.

To prevents Tuberculosis from spreading within herds of cattle in the Accra Plains, where peri-urban milk collection take place, the Directorate in April 2010 and in July 2011 organized screening of cattle by using the tuberculin skin test. The results range between 1.3%-20.9percent positive. Farmers whose cattle tested positive were persuaded to send them for slaughter to help remove the infection from within the herd as well as from the human food chain.

 

Tsetse fly Eradication

Under the Tsetse fly Eradication Project, the Tsetse & Trypanosomiasis Unit of VSD used a combination of tsetse fly control methods: Sequential Aerosol Technique (SAT), Ground Spraying, use of impregnated targets and Screens alongside “pour on” application on livestock to achieve 99.6% reduction in tsetse fly population in the Upper West Region as at May, 2010. This was based on independent monitoring results of a consultant hire to supervise the SAT operation in the project.

Rabies Control

During the first half of 2011, the Directorate organized two vaccination campaigns. One was against rabies which is a public health threat because of large stray dog population.  By June, a total of 95,643dogs, 14,834 cats have been vaccinated against rabies. Also, 776, 007 sheep and goats were vaccinated against Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats.

Update of Legislation

VSD continued to dialogue with relevant MDAs for passage of bills and laws. In 2011, the Directorate made some input into the section 9 of the Public Health Bill, 2010 produced by Ghana Health Services. The draft Meat Inspection Bill of 2004 is also under review.

Public Outreach

Under theme “safe meat for public consumption with special reference to bovine tuberculosis” VSD in collaboration with the Tuberculosis Programme Unit of Ghana Health Service organized a 3 day workshop for Veterinary Technical and Environmental health officers of three northern regions.

Internal Revenue Generation

The Directorate realized a total revenue of GH¢3,483,916 as revenue of which 25 % retention fee (Internal Generated Fund) enable the Directorate meet some of its programmes.  A new approach to the revenue enhancement policy has helped to increase the revenue collection.

G. GRAINS AND LEGUMES DEVELOPMENT BOARD (GLDB)

 

The Grains and Legumes Development Board (GLDB) was set up by an Act of Parliament No. 324 of 17^th April, 1970 as a subvented organization under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

MISSION:

 

The mission of the Board is to produce and distribute good quality Foundation seeds of cereals, legumes and vegetable seeds as well as vegetatively propagated planting materials of cassava, plantain, yam and citrus seedlings. In addition, the board is to make available processing and storage facilities to registered seed growers and other farmers.

FUNCTIONS:

The functions of GLDB include:

• Production of Foundation Seeds of Cereals and Legumes.

The Board produces quality foundation seeds under the National Seed Programme. These seeds are then supplied to registered seed growers and companies for the production certified seeds for farmers.

• Production and Supply of Vegetatively Propagated Planting Materials.

The Board’s activities include the production of cassava cuttings, plantain suckers, seed yams and citrus seedlings to meet the demand of farmers.

• Provision of Agro-processing Services.

Processing and storage services are provided to registered seed growers and other farmers at three locations. Services include evacuation, shelling, drying, conditioning and storage. The locations are:

• Ho, for farmers in the Eastern and Volta Regions;
• Winneba, for farmers in the Central, Western and Greater Accra Regions;
• Kumasi, for farmers in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions.

• Management of Farmers Certified Seeds and the National Seed Security Stocks.

Processed seeds are stored in cold rooms at the request of seed growers, institutions, organizations and other individual farmers. Quantities of certified seeds procured as National Security Stocks (NSSS) against disasters are kept in cold rooms at Ho, Winneba and Kumasi under the management of the Board. Management activities include routine sampling and testing.

• Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP).

Under this programme, the country is divided into six zones with each zone managed by a Planting Material Officer from GLDB. As an important aspect of the programme, the Board has the responsibility to establish cassava primary sites from where materials are coppiced for secondary sites established by farmers.

 

TARGETS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

 

Targets are set each year in consultation with the State Enterprises Commission (SEC), which also assesses the Board’s actual achievement at the end of the year

GLDB ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2009

Crop/Activity	2009Production (MT)	To Crop Certified Seed (Ha)	To Crop Grain Fields (Ha)
Cereals & LegumesMaizeSorghum Rice Soybean Cowpea Groundnut	70.02.0 25.0 33.0 20.0 12.0	3,500401,500 825 500 240	262,50080090,000 20,625 12,500 4,800
Other planting materialsCassava (cuttings)Citrus seedlings	240,000 (60HA) 10,000 seedlings	2,400,000 (600HA)
ActivityProcessing Seed Maize Food Maize Storage (Certified Seed) National Security Stock	315.708.95124.55 398.60

 

GLDB ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2010

Crop/Activity	2010Production (MT)	To Crop Certified Seed (Ha)	To Crop Grain Fields (Ha)
Cereals & LegumesMaizeSorghum Rice Soybean Cowpea Groundnut	82.52.0 23.5 20.0 10.0 5.0	4,125401,410 500 250 100	309,37580084,600 12,500 6,250 2,000
Other planting materialsCassava (cuttings)Citrus seedlings	136,000 (34ha) 6,000 seedlings	280,000 (70ha)—-
ActivityProcessing Seed Maize Food Maize Storage (Certified Seed) National Security Stock	620.60266.44558.92 470.84	1000 MT800 MT

TARGETS FOR 2011

CROP	2011 TARGET (MT)	TO CROP CERTIFIED  SEED (HA)	TO CROP GRAIN FIELDS (HA)
CerealsMaizeRice Sorghum	96404	4,8002,40080	360,000144,0001,600
LegumesCowpeaSoybean Groundnut	404030	100100600	2,5002,50012,000
Other planting materialsCassava (Cuttings)Citrus seedlings	280,000 (70ha)10,000 seedlings	2,800,000 (700ha)	28,000,000
Processing and Storage Servicesi. Processing:       To process 1000mt of certified seed and food grains.ii. Storage:          To manage and store 800mt of certified seeds of maize and other crops.

ACHIEVEMENTS AS AT 30^TH JUNE 2011

2011 Planned Activities	Major Season Cultivation (ha)	Achievements as 30th June
Production  (MT)Maize:           96.0Rice:             40.0 Sorghum:        4.0 Cowpea:       40.0 Soybean:      40.0 Groundnut:   30.0 Cassava:       70.0	Ashanti Region: Maize: 36.0 ha; Cassava: 20.0Brong Ahafo Region: Maize: 24.0 ha; Cassava: 20.0 ha Eastern  Region: Maize: 8.0 ha; Cassava: 10.0 ha Volta Region: Cassava: 4.0 ha Central Region: Cassava:6.0 ha Total Maize: 68.0ha Total Cassava: 60.0ha	A total of 68.0 ha Maize have been planted and 60.0 ha of Cassava primary sites have been established in the Southern Sector.A total land area of 207.5 acres (83ha) has been prepared in the northern sector and planting of Rice, Groundnut, Soybean, Cowpea and Sorghum is on-going.

 

H.        FISHERIES COMMISSION

Marine Fish Production

• Daily data collection on fish landings by artisanal fishers, in shore vessels and industrial vessels.

Marine fish production for 2010 (Jan – June) is reported to be 166,165mt while that of the same period in 2011 is estimated to b 157,956mt.

• Registration and licensing of vessels

Seven new vessels were registered and 119 vessels were licensed yielding a revenue of GH¢1,887,057.66

• Facilitate the gazetting and passing of CBFMC Bye Laws

Ten CBFMC Bye Laws were gazetted during the first quarter of the year.  Four bye laws were passed with the District attorney (D/A) and three passed with the Attorney General

Inland Fish Production and Aquaculture Development

 

• Increase Inland and Aquaculture production and productivity

Inland fish production increased from 20,000.58mt in 2010 to 24,475.75mt in 2011 (all in the first quarter).  This shows an increase of 18.3%.  Aquaculture production is 7,797.6mt.  This is made up of 3,472 from pond culture and 4325.6mt from cage culture.  The annual estimated target is 15,000mt.

• Stocking of ponds/dams and cages

A total of 63 ponds of surface area of 6.03ha were stocked with 310,599 fingerlings throughout the country

Fish Production and Aquaculture Development

• Survey of sites for pond construction

A total of 46 sites were surveyed for pond construction upon request from six regions throughout the country.  90 new ponds with total surface area of 13,709.45ha as well as 114 new cages with total surface area of 8650m³ were constructed during the period under review

• Fingerling productions from hatchery operations

A total 11,585,652 fingerlings were produced

• Development of ADP

An aquaculture advisory committee has been established to draft an Aquaculture development plan.

 

Fish Health and Disease Surveillance

 

• Fish health and disease surveillance and monitoring

Eight cage farms, 37 ponds were visited in the Central, Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Volta and Western Regions.  Incidence of poor water quality challenges especially dissolved oxygen, parasite and bacteria were observed.

Monitoring exercise was also carried out in Afram Plains districts where 80 cages out of 200 cages were sampled

• Certification of hatcheries

Twenty three (23) ponds and one cage site were visited for certification of production systems.  Five farms did not have satisfactory standards of production.

Monitoring, Control and Surveillance of Fisheries Activities

 

• Quayside inspection, beach combing and patrols

A total of 154 vessels were inspected at the Tema Port.

• Naval Patrols

37 vessels were arrested by the Navy during patrols visits. (16 canoes, 16 inshore, 1 tuna, 4 trawlers were arrested for offenses including fishing with light, fishing without license and fishing in the IEZ)

 

• Monitoring of fish imports

49,473.446mt of frozen fish were imported into the Tema port by 15 companies

• Monitoring of illegal transhipment of fish at sea

An investigation of the practice was carried out in the Central Region

Extension Support

 

• Farm visits, extension support and training of fish farmers

A total of 85 fish farms were visited to provide extension support to the fish farmers.  In addition a total of 49 trainings were organized throughout the country with 1,441 benefiting from these trainings.  Four fishermen groups and one fish processors group has also been formed in the Northern part of the country.

• Education on the Fisheries Act and Regulation

A total of ten educational fora on the Act have been organized

• Canoe Embossment

Evaluation of pilot programme completed.  Discussion with the Stakeholders held to start expanded phase of canoe embossment programme

 

Special projects

• Development of harbours and landing sites

There is a plan to develop two harbours at Elimina and James Town and then 12 landing sites at Axim, Discove, Moree, Fete, Mumford, Winneba, Senya Breku, Teshie, Ada, Keta, Abotoase, Dzemeni. Surveys, engineering drswlings and the EIA have been completed.

• Develop artisanal cold chain network

Cold stores have been planned for six communities Nyanyano, Kromantsi, Half Assini New Takoradi, Shama and Prampram.  Works have begun at all sites whiles the Nyanyanor site is 90% complete, Kromantsi is 70% complete, Shama and Prampram 30% completed.  Half Asini foundation level, New Takoradi not started.

1. I. GHANA IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

 

1. Food security and emergency preparedness

• Plots of three (3) varieties of aromatic rice established on 0.8 hectares each at Ashaiman and Okyereko for seed multiplication and demonstration.
• Hundred (100) rice farmers were trained at Ashaiman, Okyereko, Afife and Kpong irrigation schemes in aromatic rice seed production.

• Thirteen (13) irrigation schemes have been completed, increasing the irrigable area by 325 hectares, out of 44,490 hectares,
• the revised projected benefit area of 1,483.00 hectares. This represents about 30% of benefit area.  The overall percentage of civil works completion is 79.51%.

1. Increased Growth in Incomes

• Beneficiary farmers actively growing onions, chillies and carrots in the Northern, Transitional and Southern irrigational schemes in the dry season. Others are into organic okra production for domestic and export markets.
• Insecticide trial on okra to control insect pest vectors conducted in collaboration with MOFA & Standards Board.  Beneficiary farmers are now ready to go into organic okra production for local and external markets.

1. Sustainable Management of Land and Environment

• Two Hundred and Eighty (280) irrigation farmers trained in management of irrigation systems
• Lakefront protection activities conducted on three (3) GIDAschemes (Ashaiman,Dawhenya, Okyereko)
• Tree nursery site rehabilitated at Ashaiman irrigation scheme and 2000 seedlings of  moringa raised

• An area of 450 hectares have so far been completed and put under irrigation. This represents about 55% of the benefit area. Overall completion of civil works is about 82%.

1. Tono Irrigation Project Rehabilitation

• Phase I of the rehabilitation of Tono Irrigation Scheme is completed. This involved 25,870 metres of left branch canal, 12,880 metres of right branch and 1,800 metres of infill canals. Farmers are already cropping.
• Phase II:  Unutilized lands in zones B and O of about 350 ha is being rehabilitated for tomato cultivation to feed the Kpwalugu   Tomato Factory
• Construction of spillway walls completed
• . Rehabilitation of farm service roads completed

1. Accra Plains irrigation Feasibility Study

• Draft feasibility studies for the entire 200,000 hectares and detailed design for 5,000 hectares completed. Cadastral surveys to identify landowners completed and ‘right of entry’ agreements signed with them
  • Pre-feasibility study for gravity option to irrigate 11,000ha complete

1. Rehabilitation of flood damaged in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions

• Overall completion is estimated at an average of 52% ranging from individual contracts of as low as 20% to as high as 100%

1. Improvement of irrigated agriculture developed under the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)

• Construction of Kpong Left Bank irrigation scheme to put an additional area of 908ha under irrigation. About 21% complete
• Rehabilitation/extension of Bontanga Irrigation Scheme to increase irrigable area from 450ha to 495ha. Works about 31.4% complete
• Rehabilitation of 40ha Golinga Irrigation Scheme. Works about 29.4% complete.

1. Volta and Greater AccraRegions dams Rehabilitation Project

• Designs and bills of quantities have been revised and contract  documents completed for ten (10) dams in the Volta region
• Contracts have been signed for 2 dams at Dawa and Ave-Afiadenyegba.

 

1. Surface Water Extraction for Small Scale Irrigation

• A total of 897 pump sets and 266 sprinkler sets have been distributed to all 10 regions of Ghana and installation of same is on-going