Farming is the predominant occupation of the people of the Sisaala East and West districts of the Upper West Region. This two sister districts contestably are the bread basket of the Region and hub to the staple crop, maize.
Government's announcement of drastic reduction in the sale of subsidized fertilizer was some month ago was overwhelmingly received with joy by the people of these two districts like any other farmer in the country.
As farmers start tilling the land so does the demand for fertilizer increases The fear of experiencing shortage of government's subsidized fertilizer has culminated in a grave demand by prospective farmers for this farming season and thus got the premises of one authorized dealer flooded with scores of farmers in long and winding queues each taking his turn to purchase the fertilizer. Only farmers with coupons tally cards given to by MOFA are sold to. The fertilizer NPK, Yara Mila Activa is the specific brand hotly demanded by the farmers, for it is said to be the best when it comes to high yields for maize crop cultivation.
So far, a number of articulator trucks have brought in this product and yet more farmers are still stranded as the product got finished when it got to their turn. Some farmers who could not purchase the product are of the fear that subsequent consignments may be hoarded or smuggled as it has always been the trend every season to the neighbouring Burkina Faso for the product is highly sought after by farmers. The exchange rate of the Burkina Faso currency (CFA) serves as a push factor in this unscrupulous act.
Some farmers that this cable spoke to had suggested ,the institution of a combined task force of farmers, MOFA, police and Customs excise and preventive service to curtail the movement of government subsidized fertilizer into the neighbouring countries such as Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso. This would boost and ensure an effective targeting.
By Ayamga Bawa Fatawu
Freelancer
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