Professor Francis Atsu, a renowned academic in Sustainable Food Systems and Supply Chains, has urged Ghanaian farmers to prioritise soil testing and analysis before commencing cultivation, warning that ignorance of the land’s nutrient state could compromise crop yields and long-term soil health.
In a panel discussion at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting held in Accra on Tuesday, Professor Atsu emphasised that modern farming must begin with knowledge, particularly of the soil that sustains life.
“One thing I will advise is that testing of land is very, very key, know the nutritional content of your land before you go into that. Now ask yourself, do I want to go into organic farming? If it is the organic way, then after the land has been tested, at least they will advise you that this land is deficient in this…”
Prof. Atsu sustainably suggested several ways of farming and also cautioned against burning on farms.
He lamented that many farmers continue to farm blindly, applying fertilisers and other inputs without a scientific understanding of the soil’s existing composition or deficiencies.
According to him, this not only leads to poor crop performance but also accelerates land degradation and undermines food security.
Professor Atsu advocated for increased access to affordable soil testing services, calling on farmers to prioritise technology, soil health awareness, and diagnostics at the grassroots level.
The event, jointly organised by Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank, convened thought leaders from the agricultural, financial, and policy-making sectors to explore innovative strategies for building a resilient food economy in Ghana.
Read also: Stop using synthetic chemicals in farming – Prof Atsu
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