Farmers in the Bono Region have expressed frustration over the high cost of farm inputs and poor pricing of their products, which they say hinder their ability to venture into commercial farming. Speaking at a two-day inputs fair held in Wenchi, Ursula Napaala, a farmer, lamented the challenges they face every planting season, including lack of access to seeds and other inputs. She appealed to the government and stakeholders to address these challenges to boost production and food security.
“The high cost of farm inputs and poor pricing of our products have been a major setback for us farmers,” Napaala said. “We are unable to venture into commercial farming, which would help us increase our production and income. This situation has contributed to the high cost of food on the market and has huge implications for the country’s food security and nutrition.”
The fair, organized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the World Food Programme, brought together agro input dealers, farmers, and agribusinesses to promote quality and affordable farm inputs, technology, and networking. The event aimed to bridge the gap in accessing quality inputs and information, which has been a major challenge for smallholder farmers in the region.
Dennis Abugri Amenga, Regional Director of Agriculture, said the event was designed to connect farmers with agro input companies, aggregators, and Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) to enhance their productivity and incomes. “We want to provide farmers with access to quality inputs and services, and also link input dealers to markets for their products,” he said.
Emmanuel Kwabena Afful, Wenchi Municipal Director of Agriculture, emphasized the need for modern technologies and innovations to transform the country’s agriculture sector. “Agriculture is the backbone of our country, and we need to introduce farmers to modern technologies, inputs, and innovations that can transform our agriculture,” he said.
The farmers called for urgent action to address the challenges, which they say threaten the country’s food security and nutrition. They appealed to the government and stakeholders to provide support in terms of access to credit, markets, and technology to enhance their productivity and incomes.
