Obuasi, Dec. 7, GNA - Continued deterioration of the feeder road linking Diawuoso, Ayease and Jimiso-Kakabra, the major cassava producing communities in the Obuasi Municipality, has become a major source of worr= y to farmers there. Ms Felicia Appiah-Nuamah, Assembly Member for the area, said the bad=

nature of the road is creating marketing problems for them and impoverish= ing the people. Drivers, who ply it, are taking advantage of the situation, to charg= e exorbitant fares.

She said "it is a common sight to see farmers trekking with their fo= od crops on their heads to Obuasi to sell."

This was at a farmers' day celebration held to honour hard working farmers in the area.

In all, 30 individuals and organizations were honoured for their contribution to the promotion of agriculture in the municipality, with Mr=

Mohammed Awal from Asonkore, adjudged the overall best farmer for the yea= r. Ms Appiah-Nuamah said "it is my fervent appeal to the assembly, the department of feeder roads and the government that this road is put into good shape to improve food production in the area". Nana Samuel Edmundson, the Krontihene of Diawuoso, appealed for the establishment of a gari-processing plant in the town to lessen the burden= of the farmers. "The people in this area are serious cassava farmers and such plant=

will encourage them to expand their farms to improve food security," he said. He suggested to agriculture extension workers to organize periodic workshops on the correct application of agro-chemicals, for farmers to ensure the safety of consumers.