The youth in the Upper Manya Krobo district of the Eastern region may be shying away from engaging in agriculture due to the lack of the necessary support which is not available to them.
The lack of such support, according to the district agric director for Upper Manya Krobo is serving as a hindrance towards getting active participation of the young unemployed youth in the Upper Manya Krobo district.
The Agric Director for the Upper Manya Krobo district, Dr. Evans Lawson has observed that even though government is committed to developing the agricultural sector, the youth are reluctant to venture into the sector due to the lack of support.
“It is very obvious that the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is ready to develop the agricultural sector but the youth in the Upper Manya District are not interested in going into farming activities due to the lack of support,” he asserted.
According to him, even though the district is a predominantly farming community, challenges with land acquisition for such purposes is difficult due to individual ownership of the lands.
“Unfortunately, the lands do not belong to the chiefs and the traditional leaders who are ready to support the planting for food and jobs agenda, but rather belong to individuals who are not willing to release them for farming purpose to lure the youth in to farming,” he said.
Speaking in an interview with Captain Adabugar when he appeared as guest on the Rite Morning Ride on the current status of agriculture in the Upper Manya Krobo district, the director regretted what he said were challenges pertaining to the lack of logistics to propagate the agric programs.
According to Dr. Lawson, the whole district has only one motor bike for monitoring and visiting and one official car which is at his disposal.
“The Department of Agric in Upper Manya is facing logistical challenges though we are coping with the inadequacy,” he said. “The whole district has only one motor bike for monitoring and visiting and one official car that I am using for official duties,” Dr. Lawson complained.
He however added that these challenges have been put before government who have promised to make provisions for the shortfalls.
Source; Prince Paul Amuzu/www.ritefmonline.org/princeamuzu667@gmail.com
