Africa-Press – Ghana. Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asante Akim Central, has announced plans to partner with India investors to establish agricultural manufacturing plants in the municipality as part of efforts to reduce the high cost of farming and enhance productivity.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration at Nyaboo, Dr. Aidoo said the Assembly had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Indian firm during his recent visit to the country.
The investors are expected to arrive in January to begin processes for setting up factories to produce both organic and inorganic fertilizers, as well as essential farm inputs.
According to him, the high cost of farming remained one of the major challenges for farmers in the area.
He noted that labour for weeding and farm maintenance had become expensive, while the prices of fertilizers and other inputs continued to rise, making farming increasingly difficult for rural households.
“We are doing our best to reduce the high cost of farming.
That is why we are bringing investors from India to establish manufacturing plants here in Asante Akim Central,” Dr. Aidoo said.
He added that the Indian company would also produce simple technologies for the purpose of weeding and tilting farms to save farmers the high cost of engaging labourers to weed their farms.
Dr. Aidoo expressed optimism that when the plants become operational, the cost of farming inputs would reduce significantly, allowing farmers to expand production and improve their income levels.
On the impact of illegal mining on agriculture, the MCE cautioned farmers against selling their farmlands to illegal miners.
He warned that anyone arrested engaging in galamsey on farmlands would be prosecuted alongside the landowner.
“If we arrest any galamsey operator on your farm, we will arrest the farm owner too because you have permitted them to operate there,” he cautioned.
Dr. Aidoo assured farmers of the Assembly’s continued support through the provision of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other inputs to help sustain agricultural production.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
