Upper East farmers receive early weather alerts ahead of wet season

Farmers in the Upper East Region have begun receiving early weather forecasts ahead of the upcoming wet season to help them plan more effectively for their farming activities.

The initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture, is aimed at minimizing the impact of potential dry spells similar to those experienced during last year’s farming season.

The Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture, Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, made this known during the inauguration of the newly elected regional executives of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen in Bolgatanga on Wednesday.

He emphasized that timely weather information is essential for farmers to make informed decisions regarding planting schedules, crop selection, and resource allocation.

“Last year, we were hit by a dry spell, and that significantly impacted crop yields. With early weather information this year, we want our farmers to be better prepared to adapt and reduce losses,” Alhaji Fuseini stated.

He added that the department is working in collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Service to provide weather updates through radio programmes, mobile phone text messages, and community visits.

“With the support of the Ghana Meteorological Service, we’ve already begun broadcasting through radio programmes and extension visits. Farmers are also receiving weather alerts directly via mobile phones,” he explained.

Thousands of farmers across northern Ghana suffered substantial losses during the 2024 farming season due to an unexpected and prolonged dry spell that began in mid-July and extended through August. The drought-like conditions affected staple crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum, leading to reduced yields in multiple districts across the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions.

In response, the department is also introducing farmers to climate-smart seeds that are more resilient to erratic weather conditions.

“We have specific crops classified as climate-smart agricultural seeds, and farmers are being encouraged to adopt them,” Alhaji Fuseini noted.

He commended the newly inaugurated executives of the farmers’ association and called for stronger collaboration between the association and government agencies to enhance food security and livelihoods across the region.

The early weather alert system and climate-smart seed distribution are part of a broader national strategy by the Department of Agriculture to strengthen climate resilience among smallholder farmers, especially in climate-vulnerable areas like the Upper East Region.

The post Upper East farmers receive early weather alerts ahead of wet season first appeared on 3News.

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