PROFYTA- PROVIDING 21ST CENTURY AGRO SOLUTIONS

 

 

Agriculture was the first occupation of man, and as it embraces the whole earth, it is the foundation of all other industries.

~Edward W. Stewart

Agriculture is evolving.

Agriculture may be one of the oldest field known to man, handed down from generation to generation and serving an entire populace possibly three times daily but it is a sector that cannot rely on the old ways of doing things if a bounty harvest is a goal and its status as the foundation of all other industries is to be maintained.

We have seen so many changes in our way of life as the years go by, thus, sustainable agriculture requires innovation.  We cannot keep farming the way we used to. Agronomy needs new production methods to ensure continuity of a field we have come to know as sustenance for our survival. In recent times, the field of agriculture has championed the cause of women and youth empowerment by introducing new, efficient, and effective approaches to decrease drudgery and make it more attractive.

A state cannot solely and always rely on its own resources to fund projects nonetheless, partnerships, collaborations or cooperation with private stakeholders are crucial to the sustainability of policies. One of such private investors is PROFYTA. It is an independent Dutch horticultural group that offers integrated crop solutions for farmers in the subtropical- and tropical climate zones. They have spent 50 years in the global seed and agribusiness scene to provide 21^st -century agro-solutions. The company delivers tailor-made solutions for specific challenges. They employ the use of the “Total Care Concept” which demands they support farmers from beginning to end to achieve optimum quality and high yields in crops while improving sustainability. The concept is founded on four pillars:

• To select seeds that are resistant to the most important diseases such as Bacterial Wilt, TYLCV, Blights, Powdery Mildew, and Nematodes. 
• To apply crop cultivation models, fertilization and crop protection programmes.
• To provide tailor-made agriculture training programmes for local staff on site in the running of the farm. 
• To supply smart farming sensors and apps for 24/7 online (remote) monitoring and support.

 In the use of the concept, it is expected that farmers use less water and fertilizer as well as smarter usage of bio pesticides to achieve higher yields and maintain quality. It is a unique concept since it spells out an “all-inclusive” approach that no other company offers. They have in-house experts who are always present to provide seeds and personalized advice varied agrarian issues that include bush management, fertilization and crop protection. This, coupled with smart farm technology provides a better foundation for farmers to achieve high yields and optimum quality in crop production.

 In the end, one can expect to see:

• An increase in the income of farmers through higher marketable yields and better prices. 
• An improvement in food security and nutrition in an enhanced environment devoid of excessive chemicals, water and fertilizer usage.
• The transfer of knowledge through dedicated training programmes on the site.
• A limited dependency in the importation of food to save money.

 Profyta is present in Tanzania and Nigeria. It is hopeful that it will be given the opportunity serve the Ghanaian public through the establishment of a seed breeding and production facility.  They are currently affiliated to Agri Sustainable Ghana Limited to upgrade horticultural growers in open fields and greenhouses.