ADB hesitates in giving us loans – Peasant farmers

Peasant farmers in the country have claimed the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) hesitates in granting their loan requests once they notice they are farmers.

According to the programs manager for the Association of Peasant farmers Charles Nyaaba, farmers go through a major struggle in securing loans from banks, even from mandated once such as ADB.

The ADB’s core mandate is to assist farmers with loans in order to stimulate the growth of agriculture in the country.

“Once you mention you’re a farmer, ADB is hesitant to give you a loan. We tried it and it never materialised,” he told Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Thursday.

He, however, urged government to help farmers mechanise their work in order to enhance yield.

“Years ago, when you talk of peasant farmers we used to use cutlasses and hoes under the sun but majority are better off than before because of technology. Peasant farmers in the past used to plant to eat but now many produce to sell as well.

“Planting for food & jobs,good weather condition & the modernization that came with improved seeds & weedicides have contributed to the development of the economic standing of the peasant farmer in Ghana. We need a complete mechanization Centre that can process our produce”.

Also expressing concerns about the state of farmers as Ghana readies to mark farmers Day on Friday, December 6, the 2009 best farmer Davis Narh said locals farmers must be helped with branding of their produce in order to make the competitive.

“We need to look at branding as farmers and increase our marketing drive as well. We should remain competitive. It is time we add value to our produce as farmers also. The government need to support in this regard. A lot more can be done to support farmers and train them so they can remain competitive”.