Concerns over a purported delay in the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers for the 2026 crop season have brought the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s notice.
The Ministry wants to reassure the public and farmers that it is still totally dedicated to making sure that farmers receive agricultural inputs at the right time to use them on their farms.
Experience has demonstrated that early distribution can lead to problems, such as incorrect storage, diversion, and application outside of the recommended period, even if inputs may be given far in advance of the farming season.
As a result, the Ministry plans the input distribution to align with the proper crop production stages. /The main farming season in northern Ghana usually
starts in May.
Fertiliser is primarily applied between late June and the end of July.
As a result, the Ministry provided farmers with inputs during the suggested application period. Support for the main farming season in southern Ghana was provided prior to March.
As a result, the Ministry’s present action is mainly focused on the August start of the minor farming season, and distribution to the designated areas is currently in progress.
40,000 bags of inorganic fertiliser were given to the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana as part of the government’s assistance to smallholder and vulnerable farmers.
These bags will be distributed to vulnerable members who might not be covered by allocations made through the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
The Ministry has also provided inputs to selected irrigation schemes to help with production during the lean season.
Vegetable growers, notably tomato farmers in selected production areas, have also been given seeds and organic fertilisers to boost productivity and output.
Farmers who practise irrigated agriculture will receive further assistance under the government’s dry-season output strategy.
The Ministry would like to underline that these initiatives are primarily aimed at the most disadvantaged farmers and are meant to provide an emergency cushion to lower production costs, enhance output, and strengthen national food security.
In order to guarantee that the intended beneficiaries receive the necessary assistance, the inputs have been provided at the proper time, and the Ministry’s field officers are actively monitoring their distribution and use.
The Ministry is certain that agricultural production will rise and that the goals established for the 2026 farming season will be met, and potentially surpassed, given the positive rainfall pattern observed thus far and the actions being taken.
Additionally, the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry to guarantee dependable markets for farmers’ produce, increase market opportunities, and fortify value-addition systems.
The government is still dedicated to turning agriculture from a means of subsistence into a successful, sustainable, and competitive business that boosts rural livelihoods, generates jobs, and makes a substantial contribution to Ghana’s economic growth.
In order to further the government’s vision for agricultural transformation, the Ministry values the ongoing collaboration of farmers, farmer-based organisations, and all stakeholders.
Below is Statement from Agric Ministry
Source: newsthemegh.com