Recruit More Extension Officers � Farmers Tell Govt

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) says the number of agricultural extension officers in the country is too small. There are currently some 2,068 extension officers in the country or one extension officer to 3,000 farmers. The information was disclosed at a �Policy Dialogue with Members of Parliament� meeting by PFAG�s President Mohammed Adam Nashiru. He noted that the agricultural sector, which is the largest employer in the country, is no longer appealing to the youth. Although government is investing in the northern sector, north-south migration is not abating, but is rather increasing. The group attributed this situation to negligence of the rice sector, which is one of the major produce in the area, adding that the recognition given to the cocoa sector can be extended to the rice sector to boost the production of local rice in the country. The meeting also discussed the Farmers� Manifesto, electoral promises by the MPs on agricultural development, current issues bearing on agricultural development and Parliament�s role in agricultural development. The manifesto, titled �The Farmers� Manifesto for Election 2012 and Beyond�, outlines various policies for government. With regard to the Economic Partnership Agreement, the farmers asked government to take steps to reverse agreements which discriminate against small-scale farmers, as well as ensure their active involvement in economic decision making at all levels. Government should also designate specific financing schemes through EDAIF, Venture Capital Fund (VCF) and MASLOC for lending to small-scale farmers at affordable rates. Chairman of Parliament Select Committee on Finance, James Avedzi said taxes on fertilisers should be withdrawn. He appealed to the farmers to pay back loans on time in order to get fresh loans when they need them.