Farmers in Twifo Praso, located in the Twifo Atti Morkwa District of the Central Region, are calling on the government to provide financial assistance and establish a factory dedicated to processing tiger nuts.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr. Samuel Aedan highlighted the major challenges faced by local cultivators, particularly the heavy dependence on manual labor for both planting and harvesting.
He emphasized that the lack of machinery and modern tools is hampering productivity and placing a significant burden on workers—especially women—whose personal lives are affected by the physically demanding nature of the work.
Mr. Aedan stated that government support in the form of capital, fertilizers, and farming equipment would not only improve output but also create employment opportunities, helping to reduce the rate of unemployment in the district.
“We need support to modernize our farms and improve our yield. With the right tools and financial backing, we can produce more and contribute significantly to the local economy,” Mr. Aedan said.
Some farmers also voiced concerns over unstable market conditions, which they say result in inconsistent pricing and financial insecurity. They believe that a local processing facility would help stabilize their income by providing a direct link between production and distribution, ensuring fair pricing and reducing post-harvest losses.
“We often lose a portion of our harvest because we don’t have a ready market or the means to process the tiger nuts ourselves,” one farmer lamented.
The farmers are appealing to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other relevant agencies to intervene promptly to support the tiger nut sector, which they say holds great potential for economic development in the region.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Agyei Kwaku Mensah