Agric Department urges farmers to commence planting despite market challenges
Agriculture Department says farmers should take advantage of the early rains while government explores solutions to address market access challenges and unsold produce.
The Kassena-Nankana Municipal Department of Agriculture has urged farmers to begin planting activities immediately following the onset of the rains, despite ongoing concerns over poor market access and low prices for agricultural produce.
Justin Apogura an Extention Officer at the Department, said many farmers across the Upper East Region are hesitant to start cultivation this season because they have been unable to sell produce from the previous harvest, leaving them without the financial resources needed to repay loans and invest in new farming activities.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 18, Apogura revealed that a significant number of farmers had yet to begin planting, even though the rainy season had commenced earlier than anticipated.
“The information we are sending out to farmers is that the Meteorological Department indicated that this year’s rains would begin early, and indeed they have started. There is no time to wait again,” he stated.
He explained that large quantities of maize, rice and other food crops remain in warehouses and storage facilities due to the lack of ready markets, placing considerable financial strain on farming households.
“Farmers are crying out because they have a lot of foodstuff in their rooms, warehouses and stores, looking for buyers. They need to sell these produce to raise capital and begin the new farming season, but they are not getting the market they need,” he said.
Apogura disclosed that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture had directed district and municipal agriculture offices to compile data on farmers with unsold produce to facilitate possible government interventions.
“The Minister gave a directive that we should compile information on all farmers who have produce in stock but are unable to access markets,” he noted.
According to him, the Kassena-Nankana Municipality has completed the profiling exercise and submitted the required data to the appropriate authorities for further action.
“We have done our part and are not sleeping on the marketing issue. We are hopeful that the government will respond soon to support affected farmers,” he added.
Apogura further encouraged farmers to adopt improved and early-maturing crop varieties capable of withstanding changing weather conditions and producing yields within shorter growing periods.
He emphasized that timely planting remains critical to maximizing yields and ensuring food security, urging farmers not to allow market challenges to prevent them from taking advantage of the favorable rains.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
