By Prince Paul Amuzu:
Mr. Edward Kwao Amanor who’s the Chairman of the Manya Krobo Mango Farmers Association has charged the new government of the New Patriotic Party to make agriculture the main pillar of the Ghanaian economy. In order to achieve this, he has tasked the government to create a common ground for lobbying between farmers and the government.
Mr. Amanor who was speaking in an interview with Rite news noted that taking steps to do the above will bridge the gap between the farmers on the one hand and policy makers who fall under the government.
Mr. Amanor who also stands as the Acting President of the National Mango Farmers Association of Ghana also suggested that government should made available production input subsidies such as fertilizer, insect and pest control its primary responsibility.
The astute and successful mango farmer argued strongly that a thriving mango industry hinged on many factors including the creation of research logistics as well as market and factory facilities for their produce. These he articulated would help to curtail the long known foe of post-harvest deficit which confronts not only mango farmers but producers of other farm produce.
He lamented over the fact that mango farmers suffered as a result of this especially as mango is a perishable product. He also called for the creation of credit facility avenues which will be easily accessible to them.
Besides, Mr. Amanor urged the government to deliver on its promises made to the Ghanaian community, especially the one district, one factory; one village one dam and also the one million dollars per constituency per year.
He was particularly excited by the promise to build one dam in every village in the northern regions. This according to him is due to the fact that challenges regarding irrigation remain a major problem confronting farmers and this will help solve the unemployment situation in the country.
Source: ritefmonline.org
