The Bolgatanga Municipal Director in Charge of Agriculture, Lantana Osman, is urging farmers to shift towards organic farming practices due to the remarkable benefits they offer to both the environment and consumers.
In her recent statement, Osman emphasized the health advantages of consuming organically grown food products compared to their inorganic counterparts. She highlighted that organic farming methods promote the production of healthier and safer food, free from harmful chemical residues often associated with conventional farming practices.
“We have to have people doing their own quality assessment on the food they eat. We just go to the market, and when we see anything, we just buy it. As much as possible, we are also preaching that let us do more organic farming and, as consumers, also decide to purchase more of the organic products.”
Madam Lantana said this when she spoke on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show with Mark Smith.
Organic farming is a sustainable approach that avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms. Instead, it focuses on utilizing natural methods, such as composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control, to maintain soil fertility, enhance biodiversity, and protect ecosystem balance.
According to Madam Osman, embracing organic farming not only benefits consumers but also contributes to environmental preservation. The reduction in chemical inputs minimises soil and water contamination, safeguards beneficial organisms, and supports ecological harmony in agricultural landscapes.
Moreover, organic farming promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, including water and energy, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production. By adopting organic practices, farmers can contribute to mitigating climate change and creating a more environmentally friendly farming sector.
“I am a technical officer and I go to the field. I am always on the field. This is a very big challenge. Our farmers are still have issues dealing with some of these things. We educate them and yet it is still a challenged when it comes to the pesticides and other things we use. People want to mix things up, and they want the results all at once. These issues have an effect on our water bodies. We have gone through these things over and over again. We are still working seriously on it.”
Madam Osman encouraged farmers in the Bolgatanga Municipal Area to explore the transition to organic farming, emphasizing the long-term advantages it offers. She highlighted the potential for increased market demand for organic products, as more consumers become aware of the health and environmental benefits associated with organic farming.
Madam Osman’s call to embrace organic farming underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices that prioritise consumer health and environmental stewardship. By transitioning to organic methods, farmers can contribute to a healthier food system while preserving the natural resources on which our future depends.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
