By: Ishmael Barfi
Agricultural students in five colleges across Ghana are set to gain hands-on experience in digital farming technologies following the handover of modern agricultural equipment by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The equipment was handed over at the Kwadaso Agricultural College in Kumasi, with the initiative aimed at strengthening practical training and preparing students for a technology-driven agricultural sector.
The beneficiary institutions are Kwadaso, Wenchi, Ejura, Damongo and Ohawu Agricultural Colleges.
The equipment includes mini drones, soil testers, moisture meters, weather stations, GPS devices, Internet of Things (IoT) sensor kits, computers, greenhouse control kits, agricultural software and simulators.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Opoku said the initiative represents an investment in knowledge, skills and innovation, equipping young people with the capabilities needed to adapt to emerging technologies in agriculture.
He said integrating digital tools into agricultural education would help students develop practical skills and prepare them for the changing demands of modern farming.
The partnership with WFP and KOICA will also support training for instructors and tutors to ensure the effective use of the equipment in teaching and learning.
Through hands-on training, students are expected to build skills in precision farming, data-driven decision-making and digital agribusiness, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical agricultural application.
The initiative is expected to strengthen agricultural education and contribute to the development of a more productive, resilient and technology-driven agricultural sector in Ghana.
As part of efforts to promote interaction and healthy competition among agricultural students, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture will also organise an agricultural college tournament involving institutions across the country.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com