Several farmers in Kontompo, located in the Asokore Mampong Municipal, have expressed their distress over the detrimental impact of scrap dealers burning car tires on their farming activities in the area.
These farmers, who toil in the Kumasi Airport forest reserve, have witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of the smoke and chemicals emitted from the burning tires, which have made it increasingly challenging to cultivate crops.
One farmer, Mohammed Nuhu, deeply concerned about the situation, revealed that approximately 3 acres of his farmland have been decimated as a result of this harmful practice.
“I have 3 acres of vegetable farm around where the scrap dealers burn the tyres. But I have left the farm because of debris from the tires has killed my vegetables. Some other farms belonging to my colleagues have also been destroyed.”
The farmers expressed their concerns during a sensitization project conducted by the Ashanti Regional Department of Food and Agriculture in partnership with New Okaff Industries Limited.
The project focused on educating farmers about the benefits and proper application of organic liquid fertilizers and insecticides, including AF Confidence Insecticide and AF Organic Fertilizer, which are produced by New Okaff Industries Limited.
In an interview with Oyerepa News, Okuani Osei Bonsu, an Agricultural Extension Officer from the Ashanti Agricultural Department, emphasized that the use of inorganic agrochemicals on food crops is gradually causing harm to people’s health. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to switch to organic fertilizers in order to protect lives and enhance agricultural yields.
On the other hand, Oduyefo Adomako Boamah, the Commercial Director of New Okaff Industries Limited, highlighted that organic fertilizers like the Af Confidence and AF Organic Fertilizer, manufactured by their company, have no negative effects on crops or human health. Consequently, farmers should embrace the use of these products to improve their agricultural production.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/ Joseph Marfo
