Drought-hit farmers in the northern region of Ghana have appealed for assistance with inputs to replant following crop losses. They called on the government, financial institutions and individuals to come to their aid with agricultural inputs and finance since the current drought has adversely affected their initial investments.
The farmers say they invested all they had in April when they saw signs of rain, but were disappointed when the rains prematurely ceased. They said they were ready to re-cultivate to make up for the losses but they lack seeds, seedlings, fertilizers and the necessary materials as well as finance needed for cultivation.
The president of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana, Philip Abayori, called on the government to expedite action to remedy the situation before it got out of hand. “I call on government and philanthropists to assist us to ensure food security in the country,” he said.
He also urged the ministry of Food and Agriculture to support individual farmers with mechanized boreholes, small dug out dams, water pumping machines and accessories to serve as a remedy to the persistent drought conditions that affect the agricultural sector.
Abayori lamented that young able-bodied men and women in the sector were seeking greener pastures at the urban centres, and this has reduced agricultural labour by 50%. This, he said, is due to the unpredictable weather conditions coupled with unaffordable prices for inputs and unfair prices for agricultural commodities.
Business Week Africa-Ghana
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