Agricultural production in Dodowa, located in the Shai-Osudoku District, is under threat due to encroachment by settlers, resulting in the loss of farmland for agricultural purposes.
Esinam Akosua Bonsu, the District Director of Agriculture, pointed out that the encroachment of farmlands can lead to the loss of agricultural land, reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, environmental impacts, and economic consequences, collectively affecting agriculture.
“Currently, we are gradually experiencing encroachment on our farmlands. Farmers are losing these lands because of settlers. Also, estate developers pay huge sums of money to farm owners and claim ownership of farmlands,” she said.
She mentioned this while touring farms in the district with the aim of knowing the concerns of farmers in the district.
She further recommended that it would be highly advantageous if farmers could secure ownership of the farmlands by making full payment for the land and fencing it to ward off encroachers.
According to her, the farmlands are not government-owned; hence, it will be difficult to ward off encroachers.
She, however, said the agriculture department is working closely with the community chiefs to put an end to the encroachment activities.
She also expressed her concerns, warning that Dodowa, with its vast potential for rice, mango, plantain, and cassava cultivation, could lose a significant portion of its arable land to estate development if proactive measures aren’t taken.
In addition to the challenge of encroachment, she addressed the limited agricultural machinery in the area.
She said there is a critical need for additional machinery on the farms, including tractors, combine harvesters, seeders and planters, irrigation systems, harvesters, plows, tillers, and hay balers.
This, she said, would increase the country’s drive for industrialization and value addition.
Ernest Larweh, an extension officer for the district who handles about 1,800 farmers, lamented the encroachment activities, saying crop production will reduce if proactive measures aren’t taken.
On the issue of inadequate machinery, he said, “The machinery and farm inputs are not subsidized, hence making it difficult for farmers to purchase.”
He explained that providing subsidies for farm inputs to farmers would enhance crop profitability and boost crop production.
Bernard Bright-Davies, a 57-year-old farmer, expressed gratitude for the timely visit by the agriculture department.
He used the opportunity to call for a comprehensive plan to ward off encroachers from taking over the farmlands in the area.
He said farming should be acknowledged as a key sector for economic growth and development.
Comments are closed.