DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇭 Ghana /Technology

Weta rice farmers boost yields with new tech

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ghanaian rice farmers are achieving higher yields using 30% less irrigation water with new Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology.
  • This breakthrough challenges the traditional belief that rice fields need continuous flooding, potentially boosting Ghana's self-sufficiency in rice production.
  • Researchers developed the Automated Water Table Alert (AWATA) device to help farmers manage water levels effectively and transition to AWD practices.

Rice farmers in Ghana's Weta Irrigation Scheme are significantly boosting their yields while conserving water, thanks to the adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology. This innovative approach allows farmers to use over 30 percent less irrigation water without compromising, and in some cases even improving, their harvest.

Continuous flooding was not necessary for achieving high yields.

— Dr. Stephen YeboahExplaining the findings of the research on rice farming techniques.

The research, conducted by scientists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) and Lancaster University, challenges the long-standing agricultural practice of keeping rice fields continuously flooded. Dr. Stephen Yeboah, a rice agronomist at CSIR-CRI, explained that AWD involves carefully managed cycles of wetting and drying, proving that constant flooding is unnecessary for high yields. This advancement is crucial for Ghana's goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency by enhancing water-use efficiency.

The AWD method allows farmers to cut irrigation water use by over 30 per cent while maintaining or even improving yields.

— Dr. Stephen YeboahDescribing the benefits of the Alternate Wetting and Drying technology.

To facilitate the transition to AWD, researchers introduced the Automated Water Table Alert (AWATA) device. This locally developed tool assists farmers in determining the optimal times to irrigate, thereby reducing water wastage and labor. Mr. Vincent Opoku Agyeman, who coordinated field activities, noted that the primary challenge was shifting farmers from traditional flooding methods. However, demonstration plots, hands-on training, and ongoing technical support have proven effective, allowing farmers to witness the technology's benefits firsthand.

The main challenge was helping farmers transition from the long-standing practice of continuous flooding.

— Mr. Vincent Opoku AgyemanDiscussing the difficulties in adopting the new farming method.

Dr. Patricia Amankwaah Yeboah highlighted the visible positive results, including increased tillering, stronger panicles, healthier root systems, and greener leaves. Eight out of ten farmers trained on the AWATA device have now adopted the AWD method, reporting substantial improvements in both yield and water conservation. The research, part of the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP), underscores a significant step forward in sustainable rice farming practices in Ghana.

The results were visible and convincing, with farmers observing increased tillering, stronger panicles, healthier root systems and greener leaves.

— Dr. Patricia Amankwaah YeboahCommenting on the observed improvements in rice crops using AWD.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog