Farmers meet scientist

Funsi, May 15, GNA - A forum has been held at Funsi in the South Sissala area of the Wa District for farmers and research scientist to interact.

It was organised by the Funsi Agricultural Project (FAP) of the Wa diocese of the Catholic Church and the Savana Agricultural Research Institute at Nyankpala. A total of 20 selected household farmers from five villages in the FAP's catchment area including Jumo, Yaala, Kunyabin and Dawasieble interacted with researchers led by Dr S. N. Naab.

Dr Naab noted that with the rapid population growth, farmers should reassess their strategies for soil fertility. He said land is becoming scarce adding that it would be difficult for farmers to shift to new farms in the near future if they do not adopt crop rotation as a means of conserving soil fertility. He urged farmers to accept research findings as a means of improving upon their methods of cultivation and soil fertilisation.

Dr Naab spoke about the dangers of bush burning and the need to use animal dung to fertilise their farms. He said agro-forestry was another useful way of checking soil erosion and ensuring fertility.