Smallholder farmers at Tamale-North record bumper harvest in rice production

The support of 24 Group Limited, a Tamale-based agro organisation to small scale farmers in the Tamale North Constituency of the Northern Region has resulted in a bumper harvest for rice production.

The Smallholder farmers who benefitted from capacity-building on good agronomic practices, as part of efforts to enhance sustainable agricultural development and transformation were able to cultivate over 250 acres of rice farms at respective communities to enhance food security.

They are expecting to harvest 30-35 bags of rice from each field with the MP ready to buy the produce from the farmers.

The support in collaboration with the Tamale North Member of Parliament, Alhassan Saibu Suhuyini, targeted farmers from the constituency and surrounding districts. The initiative aimed to strengthen farmers’ resilience, improve sustainability in agriculture and boost food security and economic growth.

The beneficiaries received farm inputs, fertilizers, and financial support for ploughing and pesticides for pest and insect control to maximise their yields.

The farmers commended the MP and the NGO for providing in-depth knowledge on best agricultural practices and guidance on the optimal seeds and chemicals to use to maximise yields and profits.

They said the training has helped to revamp the farming business which would help to grow to feed the family and the nation as well as generate some revenue for family upkeep.

Mahama Mohammed, the Executive Director of 24 Group Ltd highlighted that farmers in the area depend on their activities for their livelihoods; but recent hikes in farm inputs and other products have hindered their efforts. The support provided aims to revitalise their farming activities.

“We are passionate about the activities of the farmers who put food on our tables. Providing them with the requisite knowledge and support will help them grow their business and contribute to the economy,” he said.

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Mr. Mohammed noted that the soil quality contributes to post-harvest losses, and providing fertilizer will help supplement soil nutrients to ensure better crop growth. He also advised farmers to seek good advice for their business and to use certified seeds to maximise yields.

Baba Tahiru, the Communication Officer for the MP, mentioned that the MP has been assisting farmers yearly with farm inputs and chemicals. This year, the collaboration with 24 Group Ltd. included capacity-building to ensure farmers adopt good agronomic practices.

“Since farmers are the backbone of the economy and farming is their only source of livelihoods, we will continue to provide them with the needed support to improve their production and livelihoods,” he said, appealing to other philanthropists to aid smallholder farmers in the north to boost crop production.

Abu Zakaria, a farmer from Gblima, said he has been farming for years but climate change has been affecting their business, prompting an appeal to the government and others for support.

Kulaha-Amadu Alhassan, another farmer who cultivates five acres of rice, one acre of soybean and ten acres of maize, noted that the rising costs of inputs and chemicals have significantly cut into their revenues, causing many to quit farming.

"The recent support from the MP and 24 Group Ltd. would help revive their businesses," he stated.