The Chief Executive Officer for Kumah Farms and Training Institute located at Anwomaso in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Martin Kwaku Siaw, known as Nana Kumah, has called on the government to consider adopting “Contract Farming as an innovative system to ensure food Productivity in the country.
Agriculture, he said, is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to our GDP. However, as our population grows and climate change presents new challenges, we must adopt innovative and effective strategies to secure food production and ensure economic stability…and one of such strategy is contract farming. He added.
According to Nana Kwaku Siaw, this approach will fostering partnerships between farmers and the government of Ghana to enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Ghaana.
CONTRACT FARMING
Nana Kwaku Siaw told the amnewsworld.com in one-on-one interview that Contract farming is an arrangement where farmers grow crops or rear livestock for agribusinesses or processors under agreed-upon terms with the government. The contract farming, according to him, often specify the price, quantity, and quality of the produce, providing farmers with guaranteed income and reducing market risks. In return, agribusinesses benefit from a consistent supply of produce, enabling them to plan their operations effectively.
He noted that this can be done where government would make good use of award winning and large scale farmers. Stressing, assisting farmers with seedings, fertilizers and soft loans is prudent but need a strategic planning where government can channel these support through the award winning farmers and the large scale farmers since they have the practical skills and expertise in the sector, would be obliged to re-pay the loans granted them.
He averred that many smallholder farmers in Ghana face uncertainties as s result of farm inputs and logistics especially market availability, storage facilities as a compounding issue confronting them.
Contract farming, he noted, offers a safety engagement by ensuring a fixed price for their produce, enabling better financial planning and this assurance can encourage farmers to invest in better inputs and practices.
Nana Kwaku Siaw revealed that through contract farming, agribusinesses can provide farmers with technical assistance, high-quality seeds, and access to modern farming techniques. This support can lead to increased yields and improved produce quality, benefiting both parties.
Thus, he appeals with the government led by the President, John Dramani Mahama to prioritize his policy plans for the agriculture sector to benefit farms through a resilient approach.
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