By Austin Ofori Addo:
In reaction to several complaints from Farmers that Extension Officers failed to come to their farms when they were needed which has consequently led to the farmers losing faith and confidence in their Extension Agents, Mr. Samuel Allotey, Head of Extension Services, Eastern Region has said on Rite FM’s Akuafo Sesen segment on the Morning Show that it’s their obligation to erase this perception by enlightening farmers about how to go about their farming activities to enhance development.
He said the Extension Agents have met with the Extension Officers in the various district to deliberate on how to meet the farmers in order to advise and educate them about good farming practices.
He commended radio stations such as Rite FM who have devoted and committed themselves to the support of the agric sector in Ghana, adding that they used such mediums to get close to the farmers. Mr. Allotey said that the phone has now become another medium for farmers to get information which is part of strategic plans put in place to send information across to the farmers.
He further stated that they have the Farmers Field School where they bring the farmers together to educate them on new technologies in farming which will help the farmers to improve production through technology, adding that farmers appreciated the new technology.
Mr. Allotey added that the West Africa Agriculture Program (WAAP) has urged them to help the farmers to hold demonstrations on cassava, maize, rice, cocoyam and potatoes and that they have selected most of the districts where these demonstrations will take place. He was very hopeful that this will help farmers to know the new technologies in farming.
Source: ritefmonline.org
