Delmark Agro, an agribusiness company based in Akatsi and beyond, is leading an initiative to introduce drone technology into farming in the Akatsi South Municipality.
The initiative, which is part of efforts to modernise agricultural production, aims also at improving services to farmers.
Spearheaded by Mr Edem Ackuaku, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delmark Agro, the drone technology farming followed a working visit by representatives of Farmdrone Pro, a Polish agricultural technology company, to the company.
The engagement focused on exploring areas of collaboration, particularly the provision of drone spraying services to farmers and the establishment of a drone service centre in Akatsi.
The proposed centre is expected to make agricultural drone services more accessible to farmers in the Municipality and surrounding farming communities, while supporting more efficient application of farm inputs.
Another key component of the initiative is the training of young people in Akatsi as professional drone pilots to operate the agricultural drones within Ghana.
The training is expected to equip the beneficiaries with specialised skills while creating new employment opportunities for the youth within the emerging agricultural technology sector.
Farmdrone Pro has also expressed its readiness to support an exchange programme that would bring university graduates from Poland to Ghana next year to share knowledge and technical expertise and contribute to the development of farms in the area.
Mr Ackuaku has also engaged Mr Daniel Dagba, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akatsi South, on the initiative as part of efforts to secure the necessary institutional collaboration and support for the proposed interventions.
The engagement with the Municipal Chief Executive was expected to strengthen collaboration between the private sector and local government in promoting technology-driven agriculture and youth development in the municipality.
Delmark Agro has over the years positioned itself as an agricultural enterprise committed to supporting farmers and promoting modern agricultural practices in the Akatsi South Municipality.
The company is involved in the production and supply of agricultural inputs, including certified seeds, grains, agrochemicals and animal feeds, as well as crop and animal farming and farmer consultation.
Its operations have also focused on farmer education, access to improved agricultural inputs and the promotion of practices aimed at improving productivity and livelihoods.
Mr Ackuaku himself has a strong background in agriculture and was adjudged the Overall Municipal Best Farmer for Akatsi South in 2022, in recognition of his contribution to crop and animal farming.
The proposed collaboration with Farmdrone Pro therefore represents another step in Delmark Agro’s efforts to introduce innovative approaches to agriculture and provide farmers with modern solutions to some of the challenges associated with farm management.
The introduction of drone spraying services is expected to complement conventional farming practices and improve access to mechanised agricultural services, particularly for farmers who may otherwise find such technology difficult to access.
The youth training component is also expected to create a pool of skilled drone operators in the Municipality who could provide services to farmers while building careers in agricultural technology.
The initiative is expected to deepen collaboration between Delmark Agro, the Municipal Assembly, and international agricultural technology partners to promote a more technology-driven and productive agricultural sector in the Municipality.
Source: GNA(Agbaxode Emmanuel)
