Farmers grateful to gov’t for fertilisers

Nana Oboadie Opambuor Boateng Bonsu, President of the Concerned Farmers group, formed from famer-based organisations, has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) for the release of fertilisers for distribution to farmers across the country.

He said the MOFA, acting on the concerns raised by the various farmers’ groups previously, had considered to release fertiliser for distribution to farmers next month at subsidised prices.

Nana Boateng Bonsu, who is the 2011 Young Entrepreneur and member of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GHANAFF), commended the sector Minister, Mr. Fifi Kwetey, for invigorating the agriculture sector by the proposed supply of fertilisers.

He said the fertilisers had brought some relief to farmers, and pleaded that more consignments are released for distribution. According to him, the move would help make farming attractive to the youth and engage them in the sector towards adequate food security for national growth and development.

Nana Boateng Bonsu urged MoFA to improve the youth in agric module, and organise more training programmes to empower the youth in agriculture.

The leader of the Concerned Farmers, who is currently on a tour of Ashanti region to inform and educate farmers on the move by MoFA, however, urged them to be vigilant and ensure that the fertilizers get to their destinations, and are fairly distributed at designated points, and not smuggled outside the country.

He also urged them to ensure that they buy the fertilisers at the subsidised prices, as approved by the government. The farmers’ leader has indicated that he would soon embark on a three month national tour to sensitise farmers on the release and distribution by MoFA to ensure smooth distribution.