The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has said it would be ridiculous for its members to observe this year’s Farmers’ Day celebrations when most of them are battling with post-harvest losses and lack of market.
For PFAG, “there is nothing to celebrate when some members are still counting on their losses,” the association that represents the majority of smallholder farmers in Ghana said in a press release issued on Wednesday.
PFAG, however, commended government for setting aside a day to appreciate farmers’ role in the growth and development of the country.
In the press release issued on Wednesday ahead of this year’s Farmers’ Day celebrations on December 6, 2019, PFAG also congratulated all smallholder farmers, especially those who will be awarded prizes at the local level.
This year’s Farmers’ Day celebration is themed: “Enhancing Small Scale Agriculture towards Agribusiness Development.”
PFAG said while it fully supports the government’s ban on the importation of rice by 2022 and other food crops that can be produced in Ghana, it wants government to remain committed to the plan.
Adopting Nigeria’s food importation ban concept [immediate ban] will not only help to reduce Ghana’s import bill but create employment opportunities in Ghana and stabilize the cedi and as well put smiles on the faces of smallholder rice farmers.
Concrete measures need, therefore, to be put in place to commence a ban on imports such as a reduction in 2020 rice imports,” said PFAG.
Source:Fiilafmonline/JoyNews
