Government Introduction of “Planting for Food and Job” Beneficial for Agriculture sector- Best Farmer, Ahantawest
Mr. Urias Eshun, a 56-year- old farmer has commended the government’s flagship program known as Planting for Food and Jobs. Mr. Eshun was crowned the Overall Best Farmer in the just ended Farmers’ Day celebration at Anyaano in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
Mr. Eshun, in an interview with Spice Fm, mentioned that the introduction of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs has provided enormous benefits to the agricultural sector. He stated, farmers receive seedlings without any hassle, as compared to some years back.
He further mentioned that Agriculture extension Officers have been supportive to the activities of farmers. He explained that the officers provide assistance and guidance to them in diverse ways, thus ensuring that the right proportion of fertilizers is applied to plantations.
Mr. Eshun commented on the inadequate of officers in the sector and pleaded with authorities to employ more personnel to boost the already existing ones.
He nonetheless, outlined challenges farmers face with regards to their vocation. Mentioning that, lack of access to financial assistance serves as a setback to them. Adding that, loans from banks come with a high-interest rate which makes it unbearable to farmers.
The cost of weedicide, he said, is expensive thus calling on the government to subsidize it which would make it less affordable to farmers.
He, however, commended that as part of the rewards given to farmers on Farmers’ Day, organizers should rather focus on including agricultural products as such fertilizers, weedicides to the awards which could aid in their vocation.
