Accra: The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has distributed 4,000 bags of fertilizer to its members in the Northern and Savannah Regions, aiming to enhance food production in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the fertilizer was provided by the government under its Feed Ghana Programme. Mr. Abdul Mateen Alhassan, the Northern and Savannah Regional Focal Person for PFAG, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it arrives at a crucial time when farmers are actively engaged in crop production. He stated, "The timely supply of fertilizer will undoubtedly improve crop yields, increase food production, strengthen household food security, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers."
Mr. Alhassan expressed gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for trusting PFAG with the coordination of the fertilizer distribution. He urged the government to continue collaborating with recognized Farmer-Based Organisations (FBOs) like PFAG to effectively implement agricultural interventions. He highlighted that FBOs have established structures at the community level, making them well-positioned to identify genuine farmers and ensure that agricultural inputs reach their intended beneficiaries efficiently and transparently.
Additionally, Mr. Alhassan called on the government to enhance the Department of Cooperatives by providing necessary resources to register and support more farmer groups and cooperatives nationwide. He pointed out that a strengthened cooperative system would offer an additional and reliable channel for distributing agricultural inputs and services, promoting accountability, and improving farmers' access to government programs.
Mr. Alhassan also urged the government to address the marketing of farm produce, stating, "As farmers increase production under the Feed Ghana Programme, there is an urgent need for government to facilitate access to stable and remunerative markets and ensure fair prices for agricultural produce." He stressed that increased production should be matched with profitable markets, allowing farmers to recover their investments, improve their incomes, and remain motivated to produce more.
He reaffirmed PFAG's commitment to partnering with the government and all stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture and national food security.