Cotton farmers appeal for farm inputs

Tamale, Aug. 6, GNA - More than 25,000 cotton farmers in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions have appealed to the Management of the Ghana Cotton Company to provide them with inputs including fertilizers and insecticides, to enhance production of the crop.

The farmers, who are engaged in the production of cotton for the company, said the delay in the supply of inputs could affect production and increase poverty amongst them.

A statement issued by the National Cotton Farmers' Association in Tamale on Thursday and signed by the National Secretary, Mr M.A. Neshiru, said the farmers formed about 70 per cent of cotton farmers' in the three regions.

The farmers said the Company had, however, not been able to supply compound fertilizer (15 15 15) and insecticides their farming activities.

They also expressed worry about the inability of the Company to pay for tractor services on their behalf.

The statement said the farmers were of the view that the Company was not financially sound and as such, it would not be able to buy seed cotton during the purchasing season.

"The confidence and credibility of the company has started to dwindle and we urge the Ghana Cotton Company to take urgent measures to address the situation," the farmers said.