JIRCAS presents Yanmar power tiller machines to rice farmers in Ashanti Region

Atwima (Ash), Sept. 22, GNA - The Japan International Research Centre for Agriculture Sciences (JIRCAS), has presented two Yanmar Power Tiller Machines to rice farmers at Aninkroma and Amakyebari in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region.

The presentation of the machines forms part of a research programme by JIRCA to increase rice production in Ghana and also to double Africa's rice production by ten years under its Coalition for Africa Rice Development's (CARD) Project.

At separate ceremonies held at Aninkroma and Amakyebari, Dr. Naoyo Fujimoto, the project leader, made the presentation to the chiefs of Annikroma and Amakyebari, Nana Kwasi Tabiri and Francis Oppong, respectively.

Mr. Kofi Kankam, the project coordinator, told the gathering that the machines are to support the farmers to effectively perform their roles in the research activities by using them to develop their fields for higher yields.

Mr. Kankam added that the new Asian system of rice farming and its sustainability in the country is being studied by JIRCAS to improve cultivation and bumper harvest.

The chiefs of the towns, who received the machines on behalf of the farmers, expressed gratitude to JIRCAS and promised to ensure that the machines are put into good use.

Mr. Thomas Kwame Okrah, Deputy Coordinating Director (DCD) of Atwima Nwabiagya, said the donation would help the rice farmers to benefit from the project.

Similar presentations were made to Rice farmers at Sokwae, Asutem, Barniekrom Amadum Adankwame, Essiekyem and Afari, also in the district.

GNA