Chairman of North-West Soyabean Value Chain Association(2nd from Left- In Smock)

A delegation from the North-West Soyabean Value Chain Association paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Minister of the Upper West Region, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing on Thursday, 3rd April 2025 to discuss pressing issues within the region’s agricultural sector, particularly in relation to the development of the soyabean value chain.

The delegation, led by it’s Chairman, Mr. Randy Haile Selase expressed their appreciation for the minister’s continued support of the agricultural sector, especially in the Upper West Region where soyabean farming has been gaining ground as a key economic activity. The visit provided an opportunity for the association to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing local soyabean farmers including lack of funding, Agriculture Tools and Machinery.

He Also expressed concern over the Ban on Export of Soya Grains tagging it as a decision that has affected Thier Businesses, he urged stakeholders to engage in broader consultations before taking their decisions.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the association emphasized the importance of enhancing the soyabean value chain in the region, particularly in areas such as improving processing technologies, market access, and the development of storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. The group also requested government support in facilitating better access to financing options for smallholder farmers, to enable them to expand their operations and improve productivity.

A Representative from Antika Company Limited and member of the Group, Mr. Seidu Abdulai Mubarik expressed concern over lack of Accessible Land for Farming Urging Government to acquire and lease Arable Lands, preferably near the black Volta to Farmers in order to improve and increase the yield. He made reference to Egypt as a Country where Farmers are given sufficient support with extended grace periods of Up to 15 Years to settle adding that, the private Sector thrives on Policy.

In his remarks, the Honorable Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing expressed his gratitude for the visit and assured the group of the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, particularly value chains such as soyabean, which holds significant potential for improving livelihoods in the region. The Minister also noted that the government’s focus on modernizing agriculture through the provision of technical support, training programs, and partnerships with private entities would be crucial in overcoming current challenges.

“We understand the pivotal role agriculture plays in the economic growth of this region, and we will continue to prioritize investments that enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the sector,” the Minister remarked.

The courtesy call also served as a platform for a broader discussion on climate-smart farming practices and sustainable agricultural techniques that could help mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region’s farming communities.

In conclusion, the meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration between the government, farmer associations, and other stakeholders in fostering the growth of the soyabean industry in the Upper West Region. The association left the meeting optimistic about future collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture through Upper West Regional Minister to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the soyabean value chain in the region.

Source: Upper West Media App