The people of the three Northern Regions could face dire hunger and starvation within the next fifty years.

This is because the land in these regions is gradually losing its density over time.

Director at the Agricultural Engineering Services Limited of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Joseph Kwasi Boamah disclosed this in an interview with ASEMPA NEWS.

Mr. Boamah told ASEMPA NEWS that an urgent decision would have to be taken by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, to embark on a serious aforestation drive, to reclaim the land.

According to him, persistent erosion and flooding in some of the regions is compounding the problem, as the soil cannot support any plant life in the next few years.

He said the area currently needs protection and support from MOFA in order that inhabitants of these regions do not suffer the effects an apparent food shortage.

He said currently, his outfit has started supplying smaller multipurpose tractors to farmers in the area at subsidized prices, to enable them make good use of the soil at this moment.

Mr. Boamah noted that, smaller tractors are able to plough the land due to its texture. He said currently the tractors with all their accessories are being sold to the farmers at a highly subsidized price of GH¢ 12,000.

This he noted, is the best support government can offer to the farmers. He said the farmers are currently required to make only 50% down payment for the equipment to be released to them, while they pay the remaining 50% in installments over 3 years.


Story by Jerry Mordy