Vegetable farmers urged to form groups

Akim Oda (E/R), April 27, GNA - Vegetable farmers in the country have been advised to form groups in their communities to help address challenges confronting them.

Mr Freeman Madji, Founder of Abibiman Sankofa Cultural Movement (ASCUM), gave the advice when addressing 125 members of the Movement drawn from the Birim Central Municipality and the Birim South District.

At the meeting farmers discussed among other things how to get market for the produce of the member-farmers at the Akim Oda Methodist Centre in the Eastern Region.

Mr Freeman said many farmers have now seen the advantage and potential of forming groups to help market their produce and thus gain more control over market prices.

He said strengthening farmers' groupings in urban vegetable production systems is one of the ways of solving the Movement's marketing problems.

Mr Madji, whose Movement has more than 70 per cent women, said plans are far advanced to establish a training centre for those who wish to get into vegetable growing.

ASCUM has more than 700 members operating from three districts in the Region. It uses traditional music to promote agriculture. Its members have formed groups undertaking various vegetable farming ventures.

GNA