President of the Kuaye Vegetable Farmers Association located at Asesieso in the Akuapem North district of the Eastern region, Mr. Clement Boafo has lamented to Rite news that the group is having problems with the production of sweet pepper in the area.
Mr. Boafo who was speaking on Rite FMs Kuapa Yo, was frustrated with the development especially due to the fact that sweet pepper remains their main crop. He was reacting to the issue of the climate change which has affected a lot of farmers over the past year.
Though the Kuaye group grows other crops such as squash, cauliflower, spring onion, cabbage among others, sweet pepper still remains their main crop which they do all year round in order to feed the nation.
He further stated that the only problem now is the harsh weather conditions which are creating problems for them. He was also worried about lettuce production which has also been affected, adding that the weather condition they encounter comes as a big challenge for lettuce cultivation.
Mr. Boafo added that the resultant diseases that arise as a result of the climate change make the lettuce unattractive for sale. He said they have complained about these to the extension officers and they took samples of the affected plants and the report proved that it is because of the weather.
According to her this has compelled crop researchers to develop a new variety of cabbage that withstands diseases and this has really boosted cabbage production in Ghana because it can be grown throughout the year.
He further appealed to the crop researchers to introduce new varieties that can withstand the drought.
Source: ritefmonline.org
