Offinso (Ashanti Region) 2nd June ?99

The government in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) has released 20.35 million dollars to fund 31 small-scale and micro irrigation projects throughout the country this year.

Mr Kwabena Boateng, Deputy Director of Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) who announced this at the launching of a 25-hectare Asuoso Irrigation Pilot Project at Asuoso in the Offinso district, said the irrigation projects will not only increase food production but help the communities in their poverty alleviation efforts.

Mr Boateng, who is also Northern Sector Co-ordinator of the irrigation projects, said they will benefit the communities in terms of effective utilisation of resources, sustainability and management.

He said 25 per cent of the Asuoso project will be allocated to women farming groups to improve their living standards.

Mr Benjamin Brefoh, Offinso District Chief Executive, said it is the commitment of the government to ensure sustainable agricultural production to meet the demand of the rapidly growing population and to improve food security.

Mr Peter Obeng-Dabo, Offinso District Director of Food and Agriculture, said agriculture is the mainstay of the district's economy, employing about 70 per cent of the economically active labour force.