Sunyani, Nov 26, GNA - Brong-Ahafo Regional Grasscutter Farmers Association on Wednesday held a dialogue to solicit for funds for the establishment of a proposed Grasscutter Starter Stock Breeding House in Sunyani. The House will have a research and other technical support scheme to promote captive rearing of grasscutter. Mr Kwesi Afena, President of the Association said at the meeting that the establishment of the House would help reduce poverty amongst people in the rural areas.

The meeting, organised by the Association in collaboration with BUSAC Fund, attracted representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, state agencies as well as multi-national organizations.

Mr Afena said the 5,000 capacity House would be replicated in the Volta, Eastern, Western and Northern Regions, whilst an on-the-spot Extension Service/Research base would be established to assist in monitoring and problem solving in the industry. He added that a credit scheme would be set up for farmers and graduates of tertiary institutions, the latter being targeted because they had the advantage in accessing sufficient information and adequate knowledge needed in modern business practices. "We have plans in future to draw up proper course description and course outlines in that area. These tertiary institutions will collaborate with the Association to ensure that these plans materialize," the Association President added. Mr Afena appealed to the media to help create the necessary awareness and open up the industry for public discussion and input sourcing.

Touching on the expected impact of the project, Mr Afena said 20 per cent of unemployed people within the labour market would be employed as grasscutter farmers nationwide on its completion. The project will also ensure 50 per cent reduction of bush burning, 30 per cent increment in grasscutter exports and a five per cent reduction in rural poverty through enhanced livelihood. Nana Kyere Acheamfor, Chief of Nkwabeng near Sunyani, who presided, appealed to the participants to assist the Association to achieve its aims and objectives.