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| Mucuna (bean-like leguminous crop) |
Farmers in the three regions of the north have been advised to
prioritize the production of Mucuna for the purpose of improving agricultural
production and food sucurity. Its production on a larger scale can help to fight
against extreme hunger since it has positive characteristics and attributes
necessary to improve soil fertility in agricultural activities. Moreover, its
economic importance far outweighs other leguminous plants such as cowpea and
groundnut because it can withstand draught due to its high level of nitrogen
and medicinal value. Highlighting its advantages to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga,
an officer in charge of communications at the Food and Agricultural Organisation
(FA0), David youngs said his outfit places high premium in the cultivation of Mucuna, which he observed, could contribute to the global food crisis. Citing Africa and
Northern Ghana as an example, Mr Young suggested the cultivation of Mucuna to
farmers emphasizing that Ghana’s quest to achieving food security and
eradicating hunger in the north would be a mirage if we do not act beyond the
stipulated time of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). He noted that Mucuna as
compared to other legumes grows faster and has the ability to control soil
loses on the farm. Additionally it has the potential of surviving even in harsh
climatic conditions except for water logged areas. Mr Youngs therefore called
for strong partnership between MOFA and FAO to deepen farmer’s awareness to
adapting to the cultivation of the plant. The media he pointed out should play
a role in educating farmers on the need to adapt to the cultivation of Mucuna. An
officer at the Bolgatanga Municipal
Agric Development Unit of MOFA, Samuel Ayaburi, who attested to the relevance
of the Mucuna plant said the plant had been tried and tested and has performed
in some African Countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger where we share similar climatic conditions. The plant,
Mr Ayaburi further stressed had been piloted in five district of the region namely
Kassena-Nankana East and West, Bongo, Bolgatanga and Builsa North. Its performance since its introduction in
2011 had proven to be one the best legumes capable of destroying certain harmful
weeds and bacteria in crops. He however advised farmers to cultivate the plant
on large scale to sustain their livelihood especially in dry season. According to
him, due to its potential in generating biomas biomass has become an alternative means to build organic matter in
the soil and encouraged farmers to visit any of the Regional MOFA office for
any information on the plant.
GBC
END IA/
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