Alhaji Mashud Mohammed, a prominent figure in Ghana’s agricultural landscape, has issued a fervent plea to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize and revitalize the nation’s agribusiness sector. As the CEO of Cudjoe Abimash Farms, a leading commercial farm in northern Ghana, and the recipient of the National Best Farmer award in 2021, Alhaji Mashud’s call carries significant weight and reflects the challenges faced by farmers across the country. He argues that reducing and subsidizing the cost of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, is crucial for the sector’s survival and growth. He underscores the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, emphasizing its potential to achieve food security and generate substantial export revenue with the implementation of appropriate policies.
Alhaji Mashud highlighted the critical need for government intervention to address the escalating costs of essential agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, pesticides, and other crucial resources. Farmers across Ghana are struggling to afford these vital components, hindering their ability to cultivate their land effectively and earn a sustainable livelihood. The high cost of production is squeezing profit margins and making farming an increasingly precarious occupation. Alhaji Mashud stressed that government support is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural sector and to prevent a decline in food production. He believes that with targeted interventions and subsidies, farmers can regain their footing, boost productivity, and contribute to national food security.
Water scarcity, particularly inadequate rainfall and limited access to irrigation, poses a significant obstacle to agricultural productivity. Alhaji Mashud has taken proactive steps to mitigate this challenge by personally dredging 16 rivers and investing in irrigation spraying guns to ensure a consistent water supply for his farm. He advocates for government investment in water infrastructure, including the construction of dams and irrigation systems, to provide farmers with reliable access to water resources, which are essential for crop cultivation throughout the year. This investment would not only boost agricultural output but also enhance resilience against climate change and its associated unpredictable weather patterns.
Alhaji Mashud also addressed the issue of rice importation, urging the government to prioritize the procurement of locally produced rice over imported varieties, particularly from India. This measure, he argues, would stimulate domestic rice production, create jobs within the agricultural sector, and strengthen the nation’s food security. By reducing reliance on imported rice, Ghana can bolster its own agricultural capacity and reduce its dependence on foreign markets. This shift in procurement policy would provide a crucial market for local farmers, incentivizing increased rice cultivation and contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, Alhaji Mashud criticized the government’s restrictions on soybean exports, deeming them unfair and advocating for clear policy guidelines that would enable farmers to produce more and earn a fair income from their crops. He believes that restrictive export policies stifle agricultural growth and discourage farmers from investing in the production of export-oriented crops. Clear and supportive policies, he argues, are essential for encouraging farmers to expand their operations, generate higher incomes, and contribute to national economic growth. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that promotes both domestic food security and the opportunity for farmers to participate in profitable export markets.
Cudjoe Abimash Farms, under Alhaji Mashud’s leadership, has demonstrated remarkable achievements, including supplying over 50,000 units of food items to the Buffer Stock Company in 2022. The farm also stands as a pioneer of conservation agriculture in Ghana, a practice initially met with skepticism by international experts but successfully implemented by the company. This innovative approach to farming prioritizes soil health and minimizes environmental impact, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, the farm employs 51 permanent staff members and 1,000 casual workers, demonstrating its significant contribution to local employment.
The company’s commitment to vertical integration, combining animal farming and processing, ensures a sustainable feed supply for livestock and poultry. This integrated approach enhances efficiency and reduces reliance on external feed sources, contributing to the farm’s overall sustainability. Despite these accomplishments, Alhaji Mashud acknowledges the financial constraints faced by conservation farming and the persistent infrastructure deficits, such as poor roads and lack of dams, that hinder agricultural progress in Ghana.
Alhaji Mashud firmly believes that addressing these challenges and investing in agricultural infrastructure would unlock Ghana’s potential to become a leading agricultural powerhouse in West Africa. He highlighted the company’s investment in mobile sprinklers to enhance irrigation and ensure a consistent water supply for farming activities. He also expressed pride in the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly their support for 40,000 women in the northern belt through the provision of logistics and agricultural inputs to facilitate their reintegration into farming.
In conclusion, Alhaji Mashud’s appeal to the government underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and supportive approach to agricultural development in Ghana. His advocacy for reduced input costs, improved irrigation infrastructure, supportive export policies, and investment in local rice procurement highlights the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector. By addressing these issues, the government can empower farmers, enhance food security, and unlock the vast potential of Ghana’s agricultural sector for economic growth and national prosperity. Alhaji Mashud’s personal investments and the achievements of Cudjoe Abimash Farms serve as a testament to the transformative power of innovation, dedication, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
