Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has asked government to find solutions to the numerous problems bedeviling the sector.
According to Programmes Officer for Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Bismark Nortey, leaders in the country must do this rather than initiating programs.
He also expressed his displeasure in the government for ‘neglecting’ small-scale farmers despite their contribution to the economy.
“In as much as we and the government are looking forward to celebrations like this, we expect the government to provide our needs instead of always initiating programs. We plead for the programs to be implemented to the extent that the objectives will be achieved,” he told UTV.
PFAG says its members cannot celebrate on Farmers’ Day because their needs have not been catered for.
Bismark Nortey revealed some smallholder farmers are battling with post-harvest losses and lack of market while others do not have the necessary equipment for harvesting.
Despite the governments’ intervention in the agricultural sector for the past 35 years, PFAG says their challenges keep multiplying.
Bismark Nortey pleaded with the government to enhance small-scale farming, adding that they produce about 70-80% of the produce consumed in the country.
“We do not have large scale but in terms of numbers and output, we produce about 70- 80% of the food we eat in the country. If you buy your tomatoes, you are consuming the effort of the peasant farmer but not the commercial farmers,” he said.
Farmers across Ghana are marking the 35th Farmers’ Day Celebrations in various regions.
