Ajono Martin, the 2020 2nd Best Farmer in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, has made an urgent appeal to Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, to immediately release government-subsidized seeds and fertilizer to farmers in Northern Ghana.
Martin emphasized that the optimal planting window for maize, a staple crop in the region, is rapidly approaching. Any delay in the distribution of inputs, he warns, could lead to reduced crop yields, threaten food security, and jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
“The backbone of our farming economy is between 20th June and 14th July. Any delay beyond this window will severely affect crop yields and risk the food security of the region and the nation at large,” Martin cautioned.
Inputs Procured but Not Delivered
According to Martin, although the government has already procured seeds and fertilizer under its subsidy programme, the items are yet to reach farmers on the ground.
He raised concerns that if these inputs are delayed until August or September, they will be useless for farming purposes and instead end up benefiting traders and businessmen, some of whom may divert the inputs to neighboring countries for profit.
“Please do not let bureaucracy or personal interests deprive Northern farmers of this farming season. Let us not sabotage ourselves,” Martin appealed passionately.
Concerns Over Intentional Delays
Martin also expressed suspicion that some officials may be intentionally slowing down the distribution process for personal or commercial gain—an act he says must be immediately investigated and stopped.
“It is worrying that some officers may be deliberately slowing down the process for personal or commercial interests. This must not be allowed to continue. The true beneficiaries of these inputs are the farmers—not middlemen or traders,” he stated.
A Call for Immediate Action
Martin is calling on the Minister to act decisively within the next few days, ensuring that seeds and fertilizer are released to farmers ahead of the critical planting window. This, he insists, is essential to protect food security, boost agricultural productivity, and uphold trust in the government’s subsidy program.
The plea from the Talensi farmer reflects growing concern among agricultural communities in northern Ghana as the rains have begun, but critical farm inputs remain out of reach.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|David Azure|Bolgatanga
