Small scale farmers cry over low prices

Mwanaidi Rhamdani (orange shirt) works with Maria Mtele (green shirt) in an orange-fleshed sweet potato field in Mwasonge, Tanzania. Maria is a mother of 5 and farmer in Tanzania who relies on farming for food and income. Through a local agricultural program, Maria learned about a new crop of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, specifically bred to thrive in sub-Saharan Africa. Mwanaidi taught her about soil irrigation, crop multiplication, and how to get her crops to market. She is now a leader in her farming group and teaches others what she?s learned. Maria increased her families? income and she is using this new income to build a new, sturdy home.

Small Scale Farmers, especially those in vegetable production such as tomatoes, pepper and leafy crops are worried about the low prices being offered by middlemen and women who patronise their produce.

A Farmer and Assembly member at Anloga in the Volta Region, George Dogbe told Radio Ghana that the situation is very discouraging.

He said a carton or crate of tomatoes which should have cost GH¢250.00 is being bought for GH¢40.00 and as a result they cannot pay their loans.

On political activities in the farming community, Mr Dogbey said the campaign has heated up.

He however lamented that as soon as the elections are over they hardly see politicians they have voted for, a situation he described as unfortunate.

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