THE
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and Member of Parliament (MP)
for Nalerigu/Gambaga, Dr Alfred Tia Sugri has indicated that the progress made
in agriculture would win the December 2012 elections for the ruling National
Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, the achievements of
the NDC in the agricultural sector would be a major bargaining chip for the NDC
during the elections, because “it shows how efficient our government has been
in improving food production and promoting the welfare of farmers.”
He said the progress made in agriculture
was overwhelming and this had reflected in the rise in food production, the
stability of food prices and the increase in cash crops.
Dr Tia Sugri made these remarks at a durbar
held in Lengbinsi in the East Mamprusi district of the Northern Region, during
which the sod was cut for the commencement of work on the Walewale-Gambaga
road.
He told his constituents, particularly
farmers, women and the youth, to strive to benefit from the various
agricultural programmes that the government had implemented.
Dr Tia Sugri mentioned the 30 per cent
subsidy on agricultural machinery and the 50 per cent subside of fertiliser as
two of the programmes that had contributed positively to the progress made in
agriculture.
“As farmers, you can own your farm
implements through the subsidy programme. You can acquire tractors, planters
and harvesters to facilitate land preparation, planting and harvesting,” he
stated.
Dr Tia Sugri also mentioned the block
farm concept, which he noted had “produced a lot of impetus for food production
and has reduced poverty considerably in the Mamprusi area.”
He said the programme had encouraged
many people, especially the youth, to go into agriculture because of the
support and attention that the government had given to the programme.
The Deputy Agric Minister again pointed
out that the law establishing the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF)
had been amended by Parliament to allow the fund to give out concessionary loans
to farmers.
“The fund now makes loans available to
farmers at 12.5 per cent, which is far lower than commercial rates of many
banks,” he noted.
He hinted of more enhanced packages for
farmers if the NDC is retained into office, explaining that the government was
currently exploring better ways of improving the lot of farmers.
Dr Tia Sugri however cautioned farmers
in the Mamprugu area to avoid the practice of smuggling subsidised fertiliser
to neighbouring countries.
He described those who were involved in
the practice as betrayers of the nation, adding that “you are stabbing
yourselves in the back because if this programme fails, farmers would lose.”
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