A group of small-holder farmers in the Jirapa district of the Upper West region are unhappy with government for not doing anything about what they describe as unfavourable farming conditions facing farmers in the area.
The over 500 who are predominantly women who call themselves Jirapa Farmers Network, say it is increasingly becoming difficult for them to access agric extension officers and other government support services such as veterinary and subsidized fertilizer.
In a communiqué issued and read by Abdullah Aramyao at Jirapa, the group said farmers in the area are compelled to cut down production due to the difficulties they face in accessing fertilizer.
They complained the district has not yet received its share of the government subsidized fertilizer which farmers rely on.
“We can’t afford the market price of fertilizer now. It is sold between GH₵85 and GH₵95 in the open market which is far above our income levels,” said Mr. Aramyao.
The group expressed fears that if government does not come to the aid of farmer, the Jirapa district will be severely hit by food insecurity.” As you know majority of our people are farmers and if nothing is done people will die of hunger”
The peasant farmers however commended government for introducing the Agric Mechanization and the National Food buffer Stock projects but were quick to add that they are to benefit from the projects.
Citi News can report that farmers in the Sissala East and West are also getting frustrated in trying to get fertilizer for their farms. A visit to the districts revealed they are yet to receive their share of the funds for subsidized fertilizer.
Though some farmers are ready to buy the fertilizer at the marked price, they are unable to get it because traders who sell the product smuggle it to neighboring Burkina Faso for higher profits.
Meanwhile, Citi News’ attempts to get the Upper West regional director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to comment on the concerns raised by the farmers were unsuccessful.
By: Mahama Latif/citifmonline.com/Ghana