Sunyani West: The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), supported by the Kosmos Innovation Center and Mastercard Foundation, has conducted a training session for tomato and cabbage growers in the Sunyani West Municipality on sustainable farming and best practices aimed at improving crop yields and production quality.

According to Ghana News Agency, the training event, held at Chiraa, was part of a broader project by PFAG to support peasant farmers. The association also provided 55 members of the Brenyekwa Farmers Association with organic fertilizers and hybrid seeds. Additionally, PFAG committed to supplying the farmers with 10 spraying machines, 10 solar pumping machines, and soil testing kits to enhance their productivity.

Mr. Benjamin Sarfo, Programme’s Officer of PFAG, emphasized the importance of cooperation among farmers to facilitate access to credit facilities and market opportunities. He highlighted the lucrative nature of vegetable farming and encouraged farmers to take their agricultural activities seriously to improve their socio-economic status.

Madam Louisa Asantewaa, an Agricultural Officer at the Berekum West District Directorate of Agriculture, led the training, advising farmers against the misuse of agro-chemicals and promoting the benefits of organic fertilizers for soil fertility and yield quality. She urged farmers to consult Agriculture Extension Agents when applying chemicals to their crops.

Mr. Anthony Marfo, Secretary of the Brenyekwa Farmers Association, expressed gratitude for the training, noting its impact on their understanding of vegetable production. He and other farmers highlighted the need for credit facilities, as many face challenges accessing loans due to a lack of collateral and guarantors, urging government intervention.

Mr. Sampson Amofa, a tomato farmer, underscored the capital-intensive nature of vegetable farming and the potential for increased production and yields if credit facilities were more accessible.