Fatima Anafu-Astanga, GNA
Bolgatanga,
Oct. 19, GNA – Mr Francis Ennor, the Upper East Regional Director of
Agriculture, has allayed the fears of people in the Region of perceived food
crises following the heavy rains and floods in the area.
He said the
Region would not experience any food shortage since most of the crops were
already in their matured state and ready for harvest.
“Unlike the
previous years’ heavy rains that came when the crops were very young, the
recent downpour occurred when the crops were matured with some awaiting
harvest,” he said.
In an interview
with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, Mr Ennor said though his outfit was
still collating field reports from the districts, there were no indicators of
any alarming situation, adding: “We are safe and there is no cause for alarm.”
He noted that
rice and other crops were almost ready for harvest and though the rains
submerged some rice fields, the crop would return to its normal state after the
rains subside.
Mr Ennor, who
had made field trips to some of the districts, assured all that there would be
no reason for price increase in the staple foods if harvesting delayed as last
years’ maize and other food crops were still available in the markets.
He said the
army worm, which had been a source of worry to farmers and stakeholders, did
not cause any havoc this year and the crops had done well.
Touching on
enhancing nutrition in diets, he said vegetables were good sources of
nutrition, especially for women and children, and urged farmers to increase
cultivation of green leafy vegetables to ensure healthy diets.
GNA
