Agric Ministry Recovers 70% Farmers’ Loans

The Brong Ahafo Regional secretariat of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has this year been able to recover over 70 per cent of the loans that were disbursed to farmers under the Block Farming Programme in the region

The Brong Ahafo Regional Secretariat of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has been able to recover over 70 per cent of the loans that were disbursed to farmers under the Block Farming Programme in the region this year.

This is believed to be the highest recovery so far in the country since the implementation of the programme in 2007.

The Brong Ahafo Regional Director of the MOFA, Emmanuel Asante-Krobea, disclosed this in an interaction with the media in Sunyani.

According to him, in spite of some defaults, the block farming loan recovery rate in Brong Ahafo was not as bad a cross-section of the public perceive, saying over 70 per cent recovery rate is a major achievement in any loan business.

Mr. Asante-Krobea however urged farmers owing MOFA under the block farming programme to settle their indebtedness on time in order to keep the programme going.

He noted that the sustenance of the programme over the years has immensely increased farmers output which he said has boosted food security in the country.

He therefore entreated the public, particularly the youth to embrace the programme to improve the lives of the poor.

Touching on mechanized farming, Mr. Asante-Krobea stated that ministry has so far opened five mechanization centres in the transitional and savanna zones of the region.

This, he said, is to make tractors and related implements more accessible to farmers so as to enhance modern agricultural practices.

He revealed that the five mechanization centres have been sited at Atebubu, Wenchi, Kintampo as well as Nkoranza North and South.

Mr. Asante-Krobea announced that plans are underway to open more centers in all the 22 municipalities and districts in the region to boost modern agricultural practices.

On meat production, he indicated that the ministry has started giving out some livestock to farmers.

According to him, they give out 10 sheep or goats to farmers for a period of two years after which the ministry takes back 10 offspring for other farmers.

He therefore urged farmers to take advantage of the exercise to increase meat production in the region.

From Vivianna Mensah, Sunyani