The government’s Farmers’ Market initiative and support provided for farmers is expected to boost the agricultural production in Region Nine, North District Development Officer, Bernie Robinson has said.
During an interview with the News Room on Wednesday, Robertson said before the government announced the planned farmers’ market, many producers struggled to find reliable markets for their crops.
“A lot of farmers were trying to find markets, or trying to find means and ways on how they can produce and sell their product,” Robertson said.
The Annai Central comprises of five villages, and he said several government programmes are also supporting development in agriculture.
Robertson said farmers in the area produce organic crops, including cassava, bananas, potatoes and citrus. With the farmers’ market, they will be able to meet with consumers and have direct engagements without middlemen.
This is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that farmers benefit meaningfully, while consumers who are feeling the brunt of inflated produce costs can receive some ease.
Robertson also encouraged farmers to expand their production and make greater use of agricultural machinery provided through government programmes.
The farmers, however, are battling ongoing dry conditions due to the El Nino phenomenon. The Ministry of Agriculture has warned that hinterland communities will be significantly affected and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) was tasked with establishing water catchment areas to help farmers access water for their gardens and farms during periods of drought.
“Through the NDIA, they’re finding ways to get those water catchments, so they could be able to use some of the water to get water from there to do their garden or farm,” Robertson said.
He also said that the ministry provided machinery that is helping farmers with developing their farmlands.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
