Towards Mechanizing Plantain Farming in Ghana: CSIR-CRI Introduces Farmers to Motorized Weeders and Augers to Boost Productivity
Twenty (20) plantain farmers have been exposed and trained to equip them with the knowledge and skills to use motorized weeders and augers effectively. The initiative, led by the Mechanization and Work in Agroecological Transitions (MecaWAT) project of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) aims at modernizing farming practices and is part of the Institute’s commitment to improving livelihoods and ensuring food security in Ghana and beyond. The one-day event brought together farmers, agricultural extension agents and technicians from communities around Adugyama, Mankraso, Tepa, Juaso and Ejisu which are within the Ahafo Ano South East, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Asante Akim South and Ejisu-Juaben Municipal districts of the Ashanti region of Ghana.
Weeders and augers are essential tools in modern farming. The motorized weeder, a lightweight mechanized tool, simplifies the labour-intensive weed removal process, whereas the motorized auger is used for drilling holes for planting. These tools aim to reduce manual labour, increase efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of farming operations.
In his welcome address, Prof. Emmanuel Otoo, who represented the acting Director of CSIR-CRI, highlighted the importance of land efficiency in agriculture. He pointed out several difficulties that farmers encounter in their daily activities and encouraged all participants to embrace the new technologies, as these advancements could result in enhanced crop production and sustainable farming methods to promote efficiency on their farms.
He further underscored the importance of adopting modern tools in agriculture. “Mechanization is the backbone of modern farming. These tools are designed to reduce drudgery, increase productivity, and make farming more attractive to the youth. This training is a crucial step toward empowering farmers to embrace technology and improve their yields,” he said.
Dr. Natson Eyram Amengor, the project coordinator, gave an overview of the MecaWAT project outlining its mission to contribute to the development of agricultural systems in agro-ecological transitions in sub-Saharan Africa, through the mechanization of crop production operations, with the aim of combining better labour productivity with less drudgery and a work organization favourable to women and youth. He further indicated the progress the project had achieved and its expectations for the future.
Hands-On Training and Demonstrations
The workshop provided participants with practical, hands-on training on operating and maintaining the augers and weeders on the field. Farmers were guided through various techniques, including how to use the weeder to clear fields more efficiently and how to operate the auger for easy and accurate planting. They were also taught to use the weeder with different blades with each blade suitable for different types and density of weeds.
During this session, farmers were allowed to handle and test the motorized weeders, and augers in order to ascertain their suitability for routine farm operations. They were also asked to provide feedback on different aspects of the tools such as ease of use, and their overall impression. This was to enable the project team to recommend adjustments to the tools to suit farmers preferences to facilitate widespread adoption.
The training also addressed equipment maintenance, emphasizing regular servicing and troubleshooting to ensure the tools remain in optimal condition. Farmers were encouraged to view these tools as long-term investments that could significantly enhance their farming operations.
Field Tour of Hole Drilling Experiment
Dr. Isaac Osei-Bonsu, a Senior Research Scientist and the Agronomy lead for the project, led farmers to the plantain field to observe the growth and performance of plantain planted using the manual auger and the motorized augers. Farmers observed the differences in productivity between the two methods, providing valuable insights for farmers on optimizing their planting techniques for better yields.
Ing. Dr. Shadrack Kwadwo Amponsah, a team member of the project, in his assessment mentioned that the problems most farmers faced in their work had to do with drudgery; that is the physical strain or hardship that can make it unsatisfactory. He mentioned that the MecaWAT project aims to ensure that mechanical interventions are introduced to help these farmers improve digging and weeding on their farms by introducing these mechanized augers for digging to replace the manual diggers.
Farmers Applaud the Initiative
Participants expressed enthusiasm after the workshop, highlighting the potential impact of these tools on their productivity and workload.
Comfort Adjei, a farmer from the Mankraso, shared her experience, saying, “This training is a game-changer for me. The weeder is easy to use and saves me so much time compared to manual methods. I’m excited to see how these tools will improve my farm’s output.” Another farmer, Kofi Mensah, noted, “The motorized auger is a brilliant tool for planting. It’s precise and saves me from backbreaking labour. This training has opened my eyes to the benefits of mechanization.”
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
The workshop emphasized the broader implications of mechanized farming tools on environmental sustainability. By enabling conservation tillage, precise planting, and efficient soil management, the use of motorized weeders and augers aligns with sustainable farming practices. It also highlighted the role of mechanization in reducing post-harvest losses, increasing crop quality, and supporting Ghana’s agenda for agricultural modernization.
Access to the mechanization tools
Farmers were eager to have access to these new farming tools to help with their farming operations. Although there are suppliers available to supply farmers with the standard version of these motorized weeders and augers, the cost can prove prohibitive for most smallholder farmers. This can be a hindrance to adoption of the technology. Therefore, the farmers called for government policy that can facilitate access to these tools.
A Path Toward Agricultural Transformation
The CSIR-CRI’s efforts to train farmers on the use of motorized weeders and augers mark a significant milestone in the journey toward transforming agriculture in Ghana. By equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge to modernize their practices, the institute is driving a shift toward more efficient, sustainable, and profitable farming systems.
This initiative is expected to enhance productivity, reduce poverty, and improve food security, reinforcing the critical role of technology in building a resilient agricultural sector.
For more information on upcoming training sessions or to learn more about CSIR-CRI’s programs, visit www.cropsresearch,org.
Authors: Dennis Gyasi Boakye, Bernard Sakyiamah, Isaac Osei Bonsu, Enoch Bobie Agyemang
