Israeli Ambassador Highlights Smart Farming Technologies to Address Ghana’s Agricultural Challenges
Israel is looking to deepen its collaboration with Ghana in the agricultural sector by introducing advanced farming technologies to enhance productivity and exports.
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, has highlighted Israel’s expertise in precision agriculture as a potential solution to some of Ghana’s farming challenges.
Speaking at a breakfast forum on enhancing Ghana’s vegetable industry, organised by the Israeli Economic and Trade Mission in collaboration with the Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana (VEPEAG), Ambassador Gilad underscored agriculture as a key pillar of Israel-Ghana relations.
“At the end of the day, agriculture remains at the centre of the Ghanaian economy. We believe Israel can offer solutions to some of Ghana’s challenges, whether through drip irrigation, greenhouses, or improved fertilizers,” he stated.
Ambassador Gilad noted that Israel’s well-known aid programme, Mashav—the Israeli Agency for International Development—prioritises agriculture and could serve as a vehicle for deeper cooperation with Ghana.
He expressed hope for discussions with Ghana’s Ministry of Agriculture to finalise a 2025 work plan aimed at strengthening ties in the sector.
Smart Technologies for Increased Yields
Israel’s advanced farming solutions, including greenhouse technology, precision irrigation, and new fertiliser formulations, could help Ghanaian vegetable farmers increase yields and reduce post-harvest losses.
The ambassador also emphasised the importance of shortening export timelines to ensure Ghanaian produce reaches European and U.S. markets faster.
“As part of the friendship between the two nations, we are willing to share our cutting-edge technology. It’s not that Israel can solve all of Ghana’s challenges, but we can offer some solutions,” he noted.
The forum comes at a critical time for Ghana’s vegetable export industry, which continues to face hurdles such as stringent European Union (EU) phytosanitary regulations. Periodic export bans due to pesticide residue concerns have posed challenges for Ghanaian exporters.
Israel’s partnership seeks to address these challenges by leveraging technology to improve farming practices and compliance with international standards. The success of this initiative, however, hinges on strong cooperation between the Ghanaian government, agricultural stakeholders, and Israel’s trade and development agencies.
