Many Plaintain farmers of Agogo, the capital of Asante Akim North in the Ashanti Region have raised concerns over how some private developers are thwarting their works.
According to them, the developers have cut-down acres of their plantain farms for teak plantations.
Speaking to Oyerepa TV in an interview at Agogo’s Morocco Market, the farmers disclosed that, many of their farms have been cut down by private developers. The move they stated hampering the mass production of plantain in the district.
Some sellers Obaa Abena, Mama and Adwoa Domaa who expressed their grievance over the problem stated that of late they don’t get the plantain to purchase in mass quantity as compared to previous years. They declared that the idea of turning plantain farms into teak plantations could bring food shortage in the country since the district is among the largest producer of food in Ghana.
“Previously we use to buy and sell about 12 trucks loaded with plantain and transport to various parts of the country and even across borders, but now we’re unable to purchase and sell in mass quantity.
Farmers no longer bring enough produce for us to buy, therefore the little that makes it to the market is in high demand; everyone wants to lay a hand on it. This as a result has inflated the prices of the produce.” The sellers stated.
The sellers also complained about the high cost of agrochemicals, stating that, the costs have made farming expensive hence farmers are incapable to grow plantains on large farms.
Former President Mahama 2021 predicted a likely food shortage to hit the country in 2022 if the government does not pump more funds into agriculture.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture on the other hand dismissed John Mahama’s concerns. The ministry said Mahama is perpetuating lies just to assuage public anger.
Source: Oyerepfmonline.com
