Netherlands Devt Org to assist Mfantseman farmers

Saltpond (CR), Aug 25, GNA - The Mfantseman District Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) to facilitate credit for farmers, fishermen, and produce inputs for agro-based industries for export.

Under the agreement SNV would organise workshops and training programmes to promote business development and the effective utilisation of credit facilities.

It would also provide advisory services to both the staff of MOFA and farmers and develop marketing outlets.

Mr Patrick Adu Osei, Private Sector Development Advisor of SNV, was speaking at a two-day training workshop for the Odumano Oil Palm Processors and those who rear grass-cutters at Baifikrom held at Saltpond, said agriculture was the backbone of the nation's development and stated that the organisation was determined to help in the development of the sector.

He advised the participants to take the workshop seriously to correct their mistakes.

Mr Peter Omega, Acting District Director of MOFA, said loan defaulting in the sector was due to poor management and expressed gratitude to SNV for supporting farmers and fishermen in the area to get out of poverty.