Farmers decry unfair fertiliser distribution

A group of smallholder farmers in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region have expressed their displeasure at government’s failure to help them tackle unfavourable farming conditions in the area.

Calling themselves Jirapa Farmers Network, the over-500 farmers, who are predominantly women, say it is increasingly difficult for them to access agric extension officers and other government support services such as veterinary and subsidised fertiliser.

In a communiqué issued and read by Abdullah Aramyao at Jirapa, the group said farmers in the area are compelled to cut down production due to the difficulties they face in accessing fertiliser.

They complained the district has not yet received its share of the government-subsidised fertiliser which farmers rely on.

“We can’t afford the market price of fertiliser now. It is sold between GH?85 and GH?95 on the open market, which is far above our income levels,” said Mr. Aramyao.

The group expressed fears that if government does not come to the aid of farmers, the Jirapa district will be severely hit by food insecurity. “As you know, the majority of our people are farmers; and if nothing is done, people will die of hunger.”

The peasant farmers, however, commended government for introducing the Agric Mechanisation and the National Food Buffer Stock projects.

A visit to the districts revealed they are yet to receive their share of funds for subsidised fertiliser.

Though some farmers are ready to buy the fertiliser at the marked price, they are unable to get it because traders who sell the product smuggle it to neighboring Burkina Faso for higher profit.