Accra: William Dzemefe, Volta Regional Director of Agriculture, has declared that the Volta Region continues to be Ghana's foremost producer of premium-grade vegetables, surpassing all other regions in terms of consistent quality. The Anloga enclave, in particular, has cemented its reputation as the nation's hub for high-quality vegetable production.
According to Ghana Web, Dzemefe emphasized that farmers in the Anloga enclave utilize underground water tables for irrigation, which helps maintain the produce's purity by avoiding contaminants commonly found in surface-water irrigation. This method of cultivation not only ensures the safety of the vegetables for consumers but also enhances the region's agricultural output. The range of vegetables grown in the enclave includes carrots, onions, okra, lettuce, and shallots, making the sector a vital agricultural asset for the Volta Region.
Furthermore, the region contributes approximately 23 percent of Ghana's rice production, offering significant opportunities for investment in production, processing, marketing, and branding. Dzemefe encouraged stakeholders to capitalize on the region's rice value chain to boost productivity and generate employment.
In addition to vegetable and rice production, Dzemefe highlighted the potential of the Volta Region's cocoa sector. With seven out of the region's 18 districts actively engaged in cocoa production-namely Hohoe, Kpando, South Dayi, North Dayi, Ho West, Ho, and Afadzato South-there is a substantial opportunity to maximize economic benefits. Strategic interventions in agriculture, he noted, would enable the region to enhance production, attract investment, and significantly contribute to national economic development.
Dzemefe concluded by describing agriculture as a crucial solution to Ghana's unemployment issues and called for deliberate policies and initiatives to attract more youth into the sector.