A $110M amphibious excavator was commissioned in Tapakuma Village, Region Two on Wednesday, less than three weeks after a similar piece of equipment was handed over to Region Five.
The amphibious excavator was procured by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and will be used to execute critical drainage works across the region.
“When we procured these amphibious excavators, we decided to send one to this region because we know there are times when operators find it difficult to clear clogged canals. This amphibious excavator will help with clearing those canals so that farmers can benefit from sufficient irrigation water on their farms,” Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said in a press release.
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha along with other regional and Ministry of Agriculture officials during the commissioning
He also said that the region now has twenty pieces of equipment to assist farmers with executing critical drainage and irrigation works.
Minister Mustapha also disclosed that farmers in Region Two were able to cultivate some 32,000 acres of rice for the last crop despite experiencing issues with irrigation due to prolonged El Nino conditions.
“Although we had an extended dry season, we were still able to cultivate approximately 32,000 acres of rice with an increase in yields in this region. We are hoping with the intended rainfall and the pumps working, farmers can have maximum production. Our officers will be working with you to increase the acreage from 32,000 to 34,000 so that you can have maximum production for this crop,” Minister Mustapha said.
Minister Mustapha also disclosed that a management committee will be established to ensure the newly procured excavator is used efficiently.