Farmers learn more on animal traction

Nyankpala ( Northern Region) 27 Oct. '98 Farmers and extension officers from four district in the Northern Region have completed a one-week animal traction workshop at Nyankpala. The programme which was under the land water management programme of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was organised by the National Animal Traction expertise Centre in collaboration with village land development team.

The 25 participants from the Tolon/Kumbungu, Gushiegu/Karaga, West Mamprusi and East Gonja district discussed practical and theoretical practices and techniques of conservation and tillage in draft animal technologies. Mr Salifu Mahama, regional soil and water engineer of MOFA called on farmers to stop their over dependence on tractor services and to utilise their livestock to reduce cost.

He said animal traction has many benefits and pointing out that it assist in soil and water conservation and also helps to check soil erosion.

Mr Philip D. Laryea, project co-ordinator of the National Animal Traction Expertise Centre said the objectives of the workshop was to upgrade the knowledge and skills of farmers to adequately manage and conserve soil and water.

He said it is envisaged that with the use of animal traction, soil erosion will minimise while its fertility would be enhanced.