Maphlix Trust Farms empowers agric students, national service personnel with practical knowledge

Maphlix Trust Farms, a leading vegetable producer in Ghana, has significantly contributed to the practical education of National Service Personnel (NSS) and agricultural students. The farm, located in Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, has hosted over 50 NSS and tertiary students, equipping them with essential field knowledge.

During a tour by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Master Pius Adenyo, an agriculture student from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Naspa President for Ketu North, shared his experiences at Maphlix Trust Farms. He highlighted the new concepts and approaches to farming that he and his colleagues learned, which will position them to confidently venture into agribusiness.

Master Adenyo, who also serves as the Volta/Oti Regional Public Relations Officer of the National Service Personnel Association (Naspa), expressed that his time at Maphlix Trust had broadened his perspective on agricultural activities for economic growth. “My presence at Maphlix Trust has enhanced my scope of future initiatives relating to agricultural activities for economic growth,” he said.

The practical experience included exposure to various farming methods such as irrigation, seedling handling and preservation, crop management, pest control, and disease management. These real-life applications of agricultural theories will undoubtedly aid Master Adenyo and his peers in their future endeavors.

Miss Paulina Gadri, an internship student from Ohawu Agricultural College, revealed that she learned about greenhouse setups and various farming methods, which expanded her understanding beyond the theories taught in school. Similarly, Master Kenneth Yirdebr, a level 300 agriculture student from the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), expressed that the knowledge gained at Maphlix Trust Farms would be invaluable for his future ambitions. “I have gained new knowledge on vegetable production, including the use of EC and pH meters to test the nutrient requirements for plants in greenhouses,” he shared.

Master Yirdebr also appealed to authorities to equip Maphlix Trust with the necessary farm equipment to expand the agricultural value chain, which would empower more youth in the agricultural sector.

Mr. Teyi Patrick, a supervisor at Maphlix Trust Farms, commended the students for their eagerness to learn and acquire new knowledge in their field of study. Dr. Felix M. Kamassah, Managing Director of Maphlix Trust Farms and President of the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana, emphasized the importance of practical experience in education. He noted that the training involved various stages, including educational sessions and fieldwork.

Dr. Kamassah expressed his commitment to empowering individuals and groups interested in the agriculture business. He also appealed to donor agencies and the government to provide the necessary materials to boost crop production in the country. Despite being hit by a storm in May, which caused significant losses to farm equipment and crops, Dr. Kamassah remains focused and optimistic about receiving assistance from philanthropists to expand his farming business.

Maphlix Trust Farms continues to play a crucial role in advancing agricultural education and fostering the next generation of farmers in Ghana, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector.