Farmers in Bono East and Ahafo Regions Respond Positively to Feed Ghana Programme

Bono east: Some farmers in the Bono East and Ahafo Regions have welcomed the Feed Programme, with a call on government to expedite action for the full implementation of the programme. Describing the Feed Ghana initiative as 'a subsidy in disguise' the farmers told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in separate interviews that the proposed establishment of the Farmer Service Centres (FSCs) under the programme implementation was a laudable idea.According to Ghana News Agency, President John Dramani Mahama launched the Feed Ghana initiative to create sustainable employment, accelerate transformation of the nation's agricultural sector to boost domestic food production and ensure food security for rapid economic growth and development. The farmers noted that the FSCs would enhance access to agro-inputs and services that would reduce manual labour and enable them to engage in commercial farming.Mr Abdul Mumin Saeed, a rice farmer at Mim, in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, expressed optimism that t he FSCs would provide the opportunity for farmers to easily access agriculture inputs and machines like tractors, planters, and combine harvesters to expand their farm work. He emphasized that the establishment of the FSCs is expected to improve food productivity and enhance quality crop yields.He further stated that with extension services, mechanisation, market linkage, warehouses, and silos, coupled with ready markets, farming would become more attractive for the youth. Mr Zachary Abdulai, a farmer at Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital, highlighted the importance of in-depth knowledge in modern farm practices amid climate change impacts.Mr Abdulai mentioned that with modern agriculture inputs and readily available financial support and a ready market for produce, the socio-economic livelihoods of farmers would be enhanced, as farmers require subsidies to reduce the cost of production and widen their profit margins.Mrs Gifty Fremah Appiah, the Nkoranza South Municipal Director of Agriculture, commended the government for the Feed Ghana programme, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity. She stated that with available soil preparation machines, plows, planters, combine harvesters, spraying machines, and other harvesting tools, farmers would be motivated to expand their economic activities.Mrs Appiah pointed out that farming being seasonal often makes it difficult for farmers to access private services like land preparation and planting at the right time, which affects annual crop yields in the area. She noted that because service providers charge high fees, many farmers are unable to afford to hire them, and the establishment of the FSCs would relieve the farmers of some economic burdens.