Valley View University has hinted of plans to train vegetable farmers at Derma in the Bono region in greenhouse farming to increase productivity.
Ghana spends hundreds of millions of dollars on the importation of onion, tomatoes, and other vegetables annually, according to the Ministry of Trades and Industry.
The increasing vegetable importation has been blamed on climate change, poor irrigation system, and pest infestations, among others.
Experts in sustainable agriculture however indicate, vegetable importation can be cut down, drastically, through greenhouse technology for vegetable production.
The greenhouse farming system involves growing vegetables in an enclosed environment where the temperature and water intake are controlled.
This, also, prevents pest infestations.
Addressing the media, the Kumasi campus Rector of Valley View University, Dr Winfred Ofoe Larkotey disclosed, out of its 100-acre land at Derma meant for farming activities, 50 acres would be used for greenhouse vegetable farming.
“We believe in feeding ourselves as a nation. This project, which is expected to begin in 2024, will also serve as a training centre for vegetable farmers in Derma and other communities on greenhouse farming as part of our social responsibilities to the society”, he stated.
The university has also commenced dental services for residents of Bebre, Anwomaso and Oduom.