Pepper farmers in Zaare, a farming community in the Upper East Region, have received renewed hope following assurances from government of a ready market and policy support to address challenges confronting the sector.
The farmers, who are currently in the peak of their harvest season, raised alarm over mounting losses, citing the absence of reliable markets to absorb their produce. Many said that without urgent intervention, their investments would go to waste, deepening financial hardship for households that depend largely on pepper cultivation for survival.
During a visit to the farms in Zaare, the farmers explained that despite a successful harvest, buyers were scarce, forcing them to sell at extremely low prices or allow produce to rot on the farms. They also complained about the high cost of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, which they said has significantly increased production costs and reduced profit margins.
In response, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, assured the farmers that government is aware of their plight and is working to put in place measures to stabilize the market and protect farmers from losses.
According to him, government will ensure that a ready market is created for pepper farmers to enable them sell their produce at fair prices. He urged the farmers to remain calm and maintain confidence in the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, noting that steps are being outlined to comprehensively address the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
“Have hope and believe in this government. In no time, measures will be rolled out to curb this situation completely,” Hon. Dumelo told the farmers.
The Deputy Minister further encouraged the farmers to diversify their production by venturing into tomato farming alongside pepper cultivation. He explained that such diversification would not only improve incomes but also create more employment opportunities for young people in Zaare and surrounding communities.
As part of efforts to ensure sustained engagement, Hon. Dumelo asked the farmers to document their specific concerns and submit them to his office for further discussion with the Minister of Food and Agriculture, with the aim of finding long-term solutions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to agriculture, quoting John Dramani Mahama as having a strong interest in farming and agricultural development.
“The President is passionate about agriculture and ready to support farmers. Stay calm—my visit here will yield results. Government will surely come in soon,” the Deputy Minister assured.
The visit has been welcomed by the farmers, who expressed optimism that the promised interventions will translate into concrete actions to protect their livelihoods and strengthen agricultural production in the Upper East Region.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7 FM | Maurice Duncan
