Botanga, Northern Region – April 22, GNA
Farmers under the Botanga Irrigation Scheme in the Kumbungu District have participated in a one-day training workshop aimed at strengthening their knowledge and practices in environmental safety management within agriculture.
Organised as part of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Phase II project, the workshop was facilitated by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with AfricaRice and funded by the African Development Bank Group.
Participants included tractor and combine harvester operators, rice and vegetable farmers, seed producers, women in the rice value chain, agricultural extension agents, and representatives from research institutions.
The training covered:
Mr. Alex Yeboah, Acting Head of the Rice Improvement Programme at CSIR-SARI and TAAT II Project Focal Person, explained that the initiative was designed to empower farmers with skills that support sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
“Promoting environmental safety in agriculture helps create a healthier environment, improves public health, and boosts the sustainability of food production systems,” Mr. Yeboah said.
He stressed the importance of complying with environmental regulations to avoid risks, penalties, and long-term soil and water degradation. He also encouraged farmers to reduce their dependency on excessive agrochemical use.
Dr. Ramson Adombilla, a Research Scientist at CSIR-SARI, introduced agronomic and physical soil conservation techniques such as:
These practices, he noted, increase soil moisture retention and nutrient use efficiency, ultimately making farming more climate-resilient.
Mr. Karim Jato Sayibu, Programmes Officer at the Environmental Protection Authority, urged farmers to proactively identify and address environmental hazards linked to agriculture. He called for:
Dr. Ahmed Seidu, an Entomologist at CSIR-SARI, highlighted the dangers of unsafe pesticide use, including symptoms of poisoning such as headaches, blurred vision, and skin rashes. He urged participants to always use protective gear and follow proper application guidelines.
At the end of the training, participants received PPE kits including masks, knapsack sprayers, gloves, headgears, and wellington boots. They expressed appreciation to CSIR-SARI and partners and committed to applying the knowledge gained to promote safer and more productive farming in their communities.
SOURCE: GNA
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