Regional News of Friday, 22 February 2013

Source: GNA

Involve women in implementing agricultural policies

Dr King David Amoah, National President of Farmers Organisation Network of Ghana (FONG), has called on the government to give the implementation of agricultural policies to smallholder farmers particularly women.

This he said, was necessary because of the population and central role women play in agricultural production in most African countries.

This said at a programme organised by Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development and FONG, on the theme: “Promoting Food Security and Sovereignty the Role of Rural Women Farmers.”

Dr Amoah emphasised the need for government and political parties to prioritise, facilitate and provide timely access to all farm inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, cutlasses, credit, extension services, and irrigation facilities to enhance agricultural activities in the rural areas.

He mentioned some networks of farmers-based organisation such as Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana and Ghana Federation of Agricultural Producers, that work to enhance the capacity of members and advocate good and appropriate agricultural policies for the benefit of small-scale farmers.

Mr Adjei Mensah, gave the assurance that government would make farming a profitable venture in a bid to strengthen agricultural economy.

Nana Amofaa Agyeiwaa, Krontihenmaa of the Techiman Traditional Area who presided over the programme, appealed to the government to come to the aid of farmers especially women engaged in farming activities in the form of credit facilities in order for them to grow more food for the nation.