A farmer in the Gambigo Electoral Area is calling on the government to shift its agricultural support strategy from the periodic distribution of free fertilizers to a more sustainable subsidy system that will make farm inputs affordable in the long term.
Farmers argue that while free fertilizer interventions may provide temporary relief, they do not address the structural challenges facing agriculture, particularly rising production costs and inconsistent policy implementation.
Ayimila Abubakar Atera, a farmer and former assembly member for the area, says the current approach is unsustainable and risks leaving farmers stranded when such interventions are withdrawn.
“Farming is not about giving us free fertilizer today and stopping tomorrow. Subsidize it and make it affordable so we can buy it ourselves,” he said.
According to him, modern farming, especially dry-season farming, requires significant investment in inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds, agrochemicals and irrigation. However, the cost of these inputs continues to rise, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to break even.
He explained that a bag of fertilizer can cost up to GHS500, and a farmer may require three to four bags per acre. Combined with expenses such as tractor services, labour and chemicals, total production costs can range between GHS4,000 and GHS5,000 per acre.
Despite the high investment, returns remain low. Farmers often sell their produce at prices that do not reflect production costs, leading to financial losses.
“You spend about GHS5,000 on one acre and end up making about GHS3,500 from sales. That is a clear loss. How do you expect the farmer to continue?” he asked.
Mr. Abubakar Atera emphasized that a subsidy regime would empower farmers to plan and invest with confidence, rather than relying on uncertain government interventions.
“Teach us how to sustain ourselves. If prices are reduced and the market is stable, farmers will take care of themselves,” he added.
He also highlighted concerns about the quality and cost of seeds, noting that cheaper varieties often fail, forcing farmers to opt for more expensive but reliable options. In addition, access to irrigation water remains a major challenge, further compounding production difficulties.
Farmers believe that a comprehensive approach, combining input subsidies, irrigation support and improved market access, will significantly boost agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
They also cautioned against politicizing agricultural support, urging policymakers to focus on practical solutions that directly benefit farmers.
“Policies should not be about promises. They should be about action that farmers can feel,” Mr. Abubakar Atera said.
The call for fertilizer subsidies comes at a time when many farmers are struggling to sustain operations amid rising input costs and economic uncertainty. For farmers in Gambigo, the message is clear: long-term empowerment, not short-term relief, is key to revitalizing agriculture.
As the planting season approaches, farmers say decisions taken now will determine whether they expand production or scale back, an outcome that could have broader implications for food security and rural employment across the region.
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