Rice farmers at the Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme have received hands-on training aimed at improving farm productivity through improved weed management practices.
The workshop, jointly organised by the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) and the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI), brought together more than 50 farmers to build practical skills in identifying and controlling weeds that reduce rice yields.
Speaking at the session, Director of CSIR-CRI, Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, stressed that ineffective weed control remains one of the major factors limiting rice production in the country. He noted that weeds compete directly with crops for essential resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight, while also creating conditions that encourage pest infestations.
He explained that research teams had assessed the Dawhenya Irrigation Scheme and identified five major weed species affecting rice cultivation in the area, adding that targeted control measures could significantly improve yields and farmer incomes.
“Poor weed management does not only reduce production but also opens farms to pest attacks that can further destroy crops,” he noted.
On his part, Dr Kim Young Jin, Country Representative of KOPIA, described weed management as a key pillar of modern, high-yield rice farming and broader food security efforts. He reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting Ghana through technical assistance, innovation, and knowledge sharing in agriculture.
“The Republic of Korea remains ready to collaborate with Ghana to strengthen rice farming and contribute to global food sufficiency,” he said.
Participants at the workshop were taken through practical demonstrations and interactive sessions focused on weed identification and appropriate control methods suited to irrigation-based rice farming.
The training forms part of ongoing collaboration between KOPIA and CSIR-CRI aimed at improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices among local farmers.
