Kupulima (U/W) Nov 27, GNA- Plan Ghana, an International non governmental organisation (NGO) this year supported 220 farmers with a total of 117 million cedis to step up production in maize, sorghum, soya-beans and cowpea.

The farmers who were made up of 200 men and 20 women established two mamaba maize demonstration farms at Pulima and Kupulima in the Sissala West and East District respectively.

Mr William Agyekum Acquah, Programme Manager of the NGO who announced this at Kupulima in the Sissala East District during a farmers' Day on Saturday, said apart from maize production, farmers were also assisted with improved seed, fertilizer, and ploughing methods. He commended the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and Technoserve for their efforts toward the success of the programme.

The Programme Manager said Plan would continue to collaborate effectively with partners to increase production in crops. Mr Acquah said Plan had also donated a computer and its accessories valued at 26 million cedis and airtime on radio Upper West for staff of MOFA to carry out educational programme to enlighten more people to increase production.

Mr J.A. Pentu, Sissala East District Director of MOFA commended Plan for its efforts.

Dr Saaka Buah, an official of SARI said Mamaba was a high yielding variety and encouraged the farmers to purchase their seeds from recognised outlets.

He warned the farmers to be careful with the purchase of chemicals, as the market was now full of fake farming inputs.

Mallam Dramani, owner of the demonstration farm confirmed that mamaba was actually better than others. 27 Nov 04