Authorities of Savanna Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has called on Government to introduce artificial rainfall technology in Northern Ghana to save the area from imminent famine as a result of the prolong drought in the area.
They noted that since 2003, a trend of reduced amount of rainfall had been observed in Northern Ghana and this had been reflected in the near-droughty conditions in most parts of the area for the past few years.
Dr Abdulai Salifu, Director of SARI made the call at a press briefing on the drought situation in Northern Ghana at Nyankpala.
He said in 2005, the total rainfall recorded was 74 per cent of a 50-year average of 1,016 millimeters, which was regarded as normal, while that of 2006 was 78 per cent.
Dr Salifu said June and July were the key rainy season months for good crop establishment and consequent performance in Northern Ghana but noted however that the rainfall assessment data for June 2007 indicated that there were five rainfall events with only two of them equal to or greater than 10 millimeters.
He noted that it had been two weeks into July and the rainfall situation was no better while at the same time forecast from Meteorological Services and NASA sites for the month indicated no rainfall precipitation for at least up to the third week of the month.
Dr Salifu said the situation as at now was not encouraging and presented a major potential setback for food security and poverty reduction in Northern Ghana.
"There is the dire need to mitigate the current state of affairs with respect to the absence of rain," Dr Salifu stressed.
Source: GNA
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to visit Ghana in October, deliver public lecture at GIMPA
13 mins -
We’ve all failed in prioritising education in Ghana – PTA Executive Member
14 mins -
Fidelity Bank supports Enactus C.K. Tedam UTAS Team for Enactus World Cup 2024
17 mins -
A credible voter register ensures credible elections – Osae Kwapong
21 mins -
GH¢100K in cash prizes to be won in the Cadbury Richoco National Essay Competition
26 mins -
Samuel Kingsley Kwafie
32 mins -
Our ecosystem has been polluted and needs urgent help – Prof Esi Awurah
33 mins -
It’s been painful and lonely – Trigmatic describes Pan-African music switch
36 mins -
We have enough dollar reserves to deal with Christmas festivities pressures – Dr. Addison
43 mins -
Mahama promises a Property Rights of Spouses Bill to protect women in marriage
1 hour -
We’ll implement national zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, domestic violence – Mahama
2 hours -
Election 2024: GII cautions first-time voters against electoral offences
2 hours -
We’ll increase women’s representation in Parliament and leadership roles – Mahama
2 hours -
WISHH hosts Soy Food Festival 2024 in Ghana to tackle food security challenges
2 hours -
CDKN Ghana supports young advocates to develop solutions towards addressing climate change
2 hours