Nyankpala (N/R), June 30, GNA-A Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) facility has been constructed at the University for Development Studies (UDS) to serve as a demonstration centre for training technicians, installers and agricultural extension agents.
This would enable the technicians, installers and agricultural extension agents to service SPIS for farmers in the northern part of the country to enhance food production.
The SPIS facility is fully installed with drip system, sprinkler system and spray tube system with underground water tank with a 50,000-litre capacity.
The construction was in line with a Memorandum of Understanding between UDS-West Africa Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (UDS-WACWISA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) Green People’s Energy Project on Capacity Development and Curriculum Training in SPIS in Northern, Northeast, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West Regions.
The SPIS facility would support the development of capacity of technicians, installers, agricultural extension officers and credit officers on the use of solar-powered irrigation systems and financing modules to support the acquisition of SPIS in the five regions.
It will also empower users of solar-powered technology, to improve sustainable use of water resources for irrigation of farmlands in the regions.
Professor Felix Kofi Abagale, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UDS, during the inauguration and handing over of the SPIS facility to the UDS at its Nyankpala Campus, said the facility would play a key role in training other professionals.
Professor Abagale, who is also Director of UDS – WACWISA said the University hoped to expand the training to realise outcomes and results, adding “Research, innovation and development are a core and cardinal part of what we do, and this facility will play a vital role in research, innovation and development going forward.”
He added that “We are happy to continue the partnership. A plan has been developed and supported by GIZ and the Ministry of Energy, and we hope that as we expand, we will always get support with funds to work in new areas that will support agricultural development.”
He commended staff and various stakeholders for their commitment, which he indicated ensured the realisation of the project.
Professor Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic, Deputy Director of UDS- WACWISA gave assurance that the sustainability of the project was not in doubt as “We are already using it to train graduate students.”
Doris Akrofi, Technical Advisor, GIZ Green People’s Energy Project, on behalf of Programme Manager of GIZ Green People’s Energy Project, commended UDS for executing the project exceeding all the requirements.
She was happy that UDS had trained more than the required number of professionals including a higher number of women beneficiaries under the project within the period and encouraged the University to continue training to improve agricultural production in northern Ghana.
Mr Moses Tampoe, Project Manager at Pumptech, contractors on the project, said it had come at an opportune time to address irrigation issues for farmers in the solar-powered irrigation sector.
GNA