In response to concerns about the recent dry spell in the Upper East Region, the Regional Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, has provided clarification on the situation.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Alhaji Fuseini addressed the widespread reports of significant damage to farmlands due to the unexpected dry spell, which had raised alarms among farmers and the general public.
Alhaji Fuseini acknowledged that the dry spell was unexpected but emphasized that its impact on crop productivity and livestock feeding had been overstated.
“We didn’t anticipate the dry spell, but unfortunately, it occurred. I have 15 administrative district officers who have reported to me. Even in the districts we estimated to be worst affected, we went out with a team to ascertain the facts. However, I must say that things were not as severe as reported in the media,” he stated.
The Regional Director noted that while some farmlands were indeed affected, particularly those planted with maize earlier in the season, the overall impact was less devastating than initially feared.
“Of course, farmers who planted earlier, especially maize crops, faced challenges due to the delay in rains. This year, many maize farmers have shifted to other crops, which will affect our maize production estimates,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Alhaji Fuseini reassured the public that the situation is under control and that the region’s agricultural output remains relatively stable.
He urged farmers to continue diversifying their crops and adopting climate-resilient practices to mitigate the effects of unpredictable weather patterns.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
