Golden Exotic deploys drones for farming
As part of efforts to maximise crops yields, Golden Exotic Limited (GEL), a banana grower and export company, has resorted to the use of drone technology in Asutsuare in the Eastern Region.
In collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the drones are being used to monitor the company’s banana plantation to identify areas of needs in order to optimise farming practices.
The Managing Director of GEL, Benedict Rich who disclosed this at the 20th anniversary of the company yesterday said it was leveraging artificial intelligence to ensure agriculture sustainability.
The occasion was attended by Ministers of State, diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, Municipal and District Executives, Civil Society Organisations and other dignitaries who later had the change to tour the plantation to acquaint themselves with progress being made through the innovation deployed.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Rich said agriculture was important for the socioeconomic development of the country hence the need to explore innovative ways to improve gains and livelihood.
“Farming is the best way in which the country can transform people’s lives , farming done well can improve the economy, people’s lives and even the environment “, he said.
Despite the innovative efforts, Mr Rich said low productivity, poor roads and inadequate infrastructure had become hindrances to their operations and ability to deliver on commitments.
He, therefore, appealed for support from stakeholders in order to address these challenges since the company plans to expand its business , thereby creating employment for the youth and contributing to national development.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong praised GEL for generating over 60million Euros annually in foreign exchange and contributing over 20million Euros to the economy through salaries, purchases, electricity and rent.
He said the success story of Golden Exotics underscored the symbiotic relationship between public and private sectors in agricultural development leveraging government incentives and facilities
The Minster stated that the company’s aim to expand its market in West Africa and export 80per cent of product to Europe had shown its desire to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the African Continental free Trade Area.
He, therefore, assured of the government’s commitment to ensure that the road challenge hampering the company’s operations would be resolved to alleviate the financial burden on the company.
In speech read on her behalf, a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dokua Asiama-Adjei, said banana was the most exported horticultural crop in terms of volume and value in Ghana and thus the need to invest more in this area.
“As a non-traditional export crop and an emerging industry, Ghana’s banana export has significantly increased in the last 15 years from 32,240 tons in 2007 to 108,379 tons in 2021 due to the success of GEL,” she added
The Chief of Kasunya, Nene Narh Yobo Otutoto Akakposu V in a speech read on his behalf commended the company for contributing to the development of the community through projects in health and education as well as employment opportunities, infrastructure development.
FROM ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI, ASUTSUARE