The government has been urged to give locally manufactured organic fertilizer producers an equal opportunity as foreign fertilizer importers in order to meet the rising demand of Ghanaian farmers.
The president of the Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalist Association (GARDJA), Richmond Frimpong, in an interview with the Ghanaian Times said the looming fertilizer shortage was a global issue which needed timely intervention.
“This is why the government through its implementing agencies like COCOBOD needs to take practical actions and strategies that will help boost food production to ensure sustainable food security for the people while improving the living condition of farmers”, he stated
Mr. Frimpong said a global shortage of fertilizer was driving up food prices and leaving poorer countries in crisis
He said higher gas prices were pushing up fertilizer costs and affecting food prices worldwide,explaining that the production of fertilizer required large amounts of gas in its production.
Mr. Frimpong said foreign producers were forced to cut down production due to higher gas prices, which had led to shortages,He said developing countries including Ghana would be hit hardest by the shortages, with crop yeilds declining and food prices rising.
“It’s impacting food prices all over the world and its hits wallets of many people. But for some people, especially in the developing, this is not only a question about the wallet, but it’s a question of life or death.”
Less fertilizer, he said, meant farmers in developing countries would not be able to plant as efficiently, leading to smaller crops. However, Head of Results Delivery at the Office of the President, Nana Serwaa Amoako in a report has stated that plans were far advanced for Ghana to establish a plant to support the National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme as well as reduce the shortage of fertilizer on the market.
Meanwhile, Director of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Seth Osei Akoto, says the ministry is setting up a team to educate farmers on the use of organic fertilizers.
According to Mr. Seth Osei Akoto, this would be a great alternative to sustain production whenever there is shortage in fertilisers.