The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Agricultural Director, Samuel P. Afari, has expressed concern over the municipality’s progress in registering farmers for the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative.
While the target was to enroll 5,000 farmers, as of now, only 2,973 active farmers have been registered.
In an interview with AkuapemHann on Okyeame Radio, Afari revealed that an additional 312 farmers have been registered but are not currently captured as active by the system. Despite this, he remains optimistic that the municipality will eventually meet its target.
Afari explained that his team has been working diligently to register farmers since March, but the distribution of inputs has been delayed due to the lack of an aggregator to supply them.
Additionally, unfavourable weather conditions have necessitated preparations for the upcoming planting season.
To address concerns among farmers, Afari urged those who have already registered to be patient, assuring them that inputs will be provided by early next year.
He also encouraged those who are hesitant to participate to do so, emphasizing that registration is free.
The government has announced plans to provide free fertilizer to the first 200,000 farmers who register nationally.
As of last month, 450,000 farmers had registered, including 1,100 from Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, who will be eligible to receive the government’s gift.
