Organic Farmer Form Association

Asamankese, (Eastern Region) 20 Oct. The Association of Ghana Organic Farmers (AGOF) has been formed out of the Ghana United Nations Association (GUNA) to popularize the use of organic material to improve agricultural production. Addressing a sub-regional farmers' forum at Asamankese as part of United Nations International Day of Eradication of Poverty, Mr. Kofi Ayisi, acting administrative officer of GUNA, said AGOF has embarked on a nation-wide education campaign on the benefits of organic manure. Mr. Ayisi explained that chemical fertilizer has not only depleted the fertility of soils but created health problems. He said scientific studies have shown that crops produced with fertilizer are not rpt not as nutritious as those produced with organic manure. Mr. Ayisi said since fertilizer is injurious to health, a programme to phase out its use by the year 2000 is being promoted by the UN. He said by that time food produced with fertilizer would not find export markets.