The Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Bismark Nortey, has urged government to engage fertiliser manufacturers and suppliers to help lower market prices, arguing that free fertiliser distribution alone will not adequately meet the needs of farmers across the country.
His call follows the recent distribution of 40,000 bags of inorganic fertiliser and five agricultural drones by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the Feed Ghana Programme, an initiative aimed at boosting productivity among smallholder farmers.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Nortey acknowledged government’s efforts to support farmers through free fertiliser distribution but stressed that the intervention is unlikely to reach every farmer who requires assistance.
According to him, demand for fertiliser continues to outstrip available supplies, creating a challenge for many farmers who depend on timely access to agricultural inputs to maintain production levels.
“We know that government’s policy this year regarding fertilisers is free distribution. However, not all farmers will be able to access it,” he said.
Mr. Nortey noted that while the programme is a welcome intervention, broader measures are needed to make fertiliser more affordable and accessible to farmers nationwide.
He therefore called on government to work closely with fertiliser producers and suppliers to reduce prices through market-based interventions that would benefit a wider segment of the farming population.
According to him, lower fertiliser prices would provide much-needed relief to farmers who are already struggling with a range of challenges, including limited access to markets, persistent produce gluts and difficulties in securing capital to finance their operations.
“We all know the challenges our farmers are facing regarding access to markets, produce gluts and their inability to raise enough capital,” he stated.
The PFAG Executive Director warned that rising input costs continue to place pressure on farmers, affecting productivity and profitability within the agricultural sector.
He maintained that improving access to affordable fertiliser is critical to increasing food production, enhancing food security and supporting government’s efforts to transform the agricultural sector.
Mr. Nortey further emphasised that a comprehensive approach involving both public and private sector stakeholders would be more effective in addressing farmers’ needs than relying solely on free distribution initiatives.
He called for sustained dialogue between government, fertiliser manufacturers, suppliers and farmer groups to develop practical solutions that can ensure adequate supply and stable pricing across the country.
The appeal comes as government intensifies efforts to support agricultural production through the Feed Ghana Programme, with stakeholders continuing to debate the most effective strategies for improving access to critical farming inputs.
Industry observers say affordable fertiliser remains one of the most important factors in boosting crop yields and improving the livelihoods of farmers, particularly smallholder producers who make up a significant portion of Ghana’s agricultural workforce.
