By William N-lanjerborr Jalulah
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region has put in place Agric Extension Assistants (AEAs) to help identify and distribute the government’s subsidised fertilisers among farmers this farming season.
The District Director of MoFA for Talensi, Mr. Agumah Edward, said this at a meeting organised by BONATADU, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), for farmer networks, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the District Assembly to discuss how farmers could gain assistance from stakeholders this farming season.
According to the MoFA Director, the ministry would inform assembly members of the days and venues for the distribution of coupons, so farmers could get ready and meet the AEAs for them. The AEAs are in Winkogo, Kongo, Pelungu, Sakote and Sheaga.
Mr. Anaba Mbule, secretary of the farmer networks in the district, said a meeting was held, and that the farmers were seeking support under the block farming programme to make fertiliser coupons accessible to small holder farmers through the AEAs at the various markets in the district.
He said the networks were also seeking collaboration with NADMO, so farmers could be educated on measures to put in place to avoid farms being flooded and crops destroyed.
The farmers said the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority tractors brought to the region were not helping the poor farmer in the communities because of the charges.
According to them, they were being charged GH¢40-50 per acre, which was on the high side.
They questioned why SADA should partner with NGOs in offering tractor services instead of government institutions like the MoFA.
The Coordinator for NADMO, Mr. King Kazaa, said that the farmers had been asked to plant early maturing crops for the late start of farming, due to a delay in rainfall.
Farmers who farm along rivers were also warned that they could be affected by floods, and should therefore, relocate to high lands.
He said disaster volunteer groups were being formed, and these will help identify vulnerable communities for the necessary education.
He also stated that NADMO was into tree planting, and called on people to plant trees around their churches, schools, homes and offices, to avoid windstorms ripping off their roofs and harming them.
Mr. Kazaa hinted also that there were indications there could be heavy rains, and many farms were likely to be flooded.