The Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), School of Agriculture, has recently acquired a tailor-made combine harvester for rice harvesting. This $40,000 equipment was funded by the Anastasios George Leventis Foundation with the aim of enhancing the local rice production capacity at the Centre.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Macarius Yangyuoru, Head of SIREC, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Dean of the School of Agriculture, to the Board of the A.G. Leventis Foundation for providing funding for the combine harvester. The machine would help address the perennial challenges of harvesting their rice, thereby enhancing their activities and increasing production.
Mrs. Comfort Emden, Country Director for A.g. Leventis Foundation
Mrs. Comfort Emden, Country Director of the A.G Leventis Foundation Farmers Programme, shared insights from over 30 years of collaboration with the University of Ghana which has made significant contributions to the advancement not only the UG's agricultural programme but also archaeological studies. She explained that the Foundation's support extends across four key areas comprising the Leventis Foundation Farmers' Programme, the Leventis Scholarship Scheme, the Constantine Leventis Computer Laboratory, and the A.G. Leventis Resource Centre for African Research to support archaeological research.
In her view, purchasing of the new combine harvester was part of efforts to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana. She hinted that the Foundation had sponsored a team from the Department of Archaeology to undertake a six-month training programme at the British Museum to enhance their skills in setting up exhibitions. She conveyed the Foundation’s strong commitment to its partnership with the University: “Our footprints are very deep within the University and that is very reassuring for the Foundation. The Foundation is very committed to supporting and improving the various programmes that we have with the University of Ghana”.
Ms. Endem expressed confidence in the ability of UG management to maintain the equipment properly, hoping that would encourage the Foundation to consider providing additional equipment needed in the rice production value chain.
Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research Innovation and Development
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix A. Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research, Innovation and Development, acknowledged the Foundation's support since 1989 when the University received a seed money $150,000 to support and renovate infrastructure. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the University for the longstanding support from the A.G. Leventis Foundation towards UG’s agriculture programme over three decades and appreciated its assistance not only to the Department of Agriculture but also to the Department of Archaeology.
Beyond the current scope, Prof. Asante urged the A.G. Leventis Foundation to explore potential collaborations with other departments across various disciplines at the university. He assured the Foundation of Management's support in ensuring that the equipment is well-maintained and utilised to its full potential.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost for the College of Basic and Applied Sciences delivering his remarks
In his remarks, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) expressed appreciation to the University Management and the A.G. Leventis Foundation for their contributions towards acquiring the combine harvester. He noted that the purchase of the combine harvester was timely as it aligned with efforts to improve local rice production capacity in order to compete with imported rice. He emphasised that every stage of the rice production value chain requires specific equipment. Therefore, owning a combine harvester was essential for the harvesting stage, as it also provides hands-on experience for farmers.
The College will therefore assist the Centre in negotiating a maintenance agreement with TATA to ensure the use of genuine spare parts during equipment maintenance, thus ensuring the long-term durability of the combine harvester.
Prof. Yangyuoru first from left, Prof. Asante, Mrs. Endem and Prof. Onwona-Agyeman
Mrs. Emden supported by Prof. Asante, and Prof. Onwona-Agyeman, as well as Prof. Yangyuoru commissioned the equipment. This was followed by a demonstration of its operation, including maintenance procedures, safety precautions and practical usage instructions.
Mr. Ebenezer Budu-Biney, Programme Manager for the A.G. Leventis Foundation Farmer’s Programme and the moderator for the event, expressed his excitement about the acquisition of the combine harvester. He thanked the Foundation for their continued support and everyone present for making the event successful.
Senior Members in a group photograph
Present at the commissioning were Prof. Ken O. Fening, Associate Professor of Agricultural Entomology; Prof. Dilys S. MacCarthy, Associate Professor of Plant Nutrition; Dr. Yvonne O. Kugblenu, Senior Research Fellow of Agronomy; Mrs. Mavis Otoo-Ayeh, College Secretary of CBAS; Mr. Daniel Hormeku, Academic Officer for CBAS; Ms. Victoria Anim, Public Affairs Officer for CBAS; together with some staff from the College Secretariat, School of Agriculture, SIREC and students participating in the A.G Leventis Foundation Farmers Programme.
Group photograph after the event