Nkawie (Ashanti Region) 22 April 

Farmers in the Atwima district have called for a review of the maturity period for the repayment of agricultural loans from the banks.

The present nine month period is "too short" because it puts beneficiaries under pressure to sell their produce at "give-away prices" to raise money to pay back the loans.

This was the consensus at a forum at Nkawie to find ways of increasing agriculture production.

It was organised by the district assembly for farmers, agriculturists, researchers, chiefs, assembly members, and unit committee and area council members.

The farmers also want interest rate on loans reduced as an incentive particularly to the youth to take to farming.

They commended the government for its bold initiatives like the Youth in Agriculture programme and the Village Infrastructure Project designed to enhance production.

Mr Kwabena Asante, District Best Farmer appealed for the construction of silos in the district to store food.