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Farmer/agricultural extension agent ratio keeps dwindling -
Dr Ayamdooh
Kpanvo (N/R), Dec. 11, Ghanadot/GNA - Research conducted by
ActionAid Ghana indicates that the farmer/agricultural
extension agent ratio keeps dwindling. The ratio, which
stands at one agricultural extension officer to 3,000
farmers currently, makes the extension agent inefficient.
Dr Evans Nsoh Ayamdooh, Acting Tamale Metropolitan Director
of Agriculture, made this observation at the Tamale
Metropolitan celebration of the "National Farmers' Day" at
Kpanvo, a village near Tamale.
Dr Ayamdooh said due to this problem, the agricultural
extension agents were unable to visit and properly assist
farmers who needed their services.
He said inadequate motorcycles for the agents had further
complicated their work making it virtually impossible to
access all the communities under their operational areas.
The Acting Director noted that another challenge facing the
agricultural sector was the ever-increasing cost of inputs,
which had made farming not lucrative.
He further explained that the Tamale Metropolis was
unfortunate to have only a few dams, which dried out during
the dry season thereby limiting farming activities to only
the rainy season.
A 42-year-old farmer, Mr Amadu Amadu, was adjudged the
overall best farmer of the Metropolis.
He took home a bicycle, a packet of roofing sheets, two bags
of fertilizers, half piece of cloth, a pair of Wellington
boots and two machetes as his prize.
GNA
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