District Farmers Day 2025: Agotime Ziope District renews commitment to tackle bushfires, herdsmen activities

The Agotime Ziope District in the Volta Region has renewed its resolve to tackle bushfires and the destructive activities of herdsmen, which continue to threaten the environment and devastate farmlands.

District Chief Executive Alfred Odikro Klu described bushfires and herdsmen activities as some of the most pressing challenges facing farmers. He appealed to residents to stop setting fires and stressed that meaningful change requires a shift in behaviour and attitudes.

To curb the destruction caused by roaming cattle, the district plans to work with the Ghana Police Service to arrest landlords who accommodate herdsmen whose animals destroy farms. Hon. Odikro Klu added that farmers are also struggling with climate change, inadequate mechanization, post-harvest losses, and high production costs.

He said the assembly is partnering with the Department of Agriculture, private sector players, and development agencies to improve mechanization services, expand storage capacity, and promote climate-smart agriculture. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the sector and building a competitive agricultural economy.

Under the 2025 agricultural support programme, farmers have received improved maize seedlings, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and technical training to enhance yields. The district is also exploring opportunities in agro-processing to support the 24-hour economy initiative by linking local processors to ready markets.

District Agric Director Mawuli Abusah called for bylaws to regulate the activities of herdsmen and prevent cattle from destroying crops. He encouraged farmers to join Community Commodity Farming-Based Organizations to benefit from government support.

He noted that close to 300 of these organisations have been registered on the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform, with about half receiving 1000 bags of NPK fertilizer under the Feed Ghana Programme.

This year’s district celebration honoured 10 individuals, with Madam Pamela Dometi named the overall best farmer. The Apostle Revelation Society was recognised as the best religious group.

Farmers and stakeholders appealed to landowners to reduce land prices to enable more cultivation. They also urged authorities to support efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, especially for perishable crops like tomatoes.

Mamaga Norkuawo V, Queen of Ziope and Acting President of the Ziope Traditional Council, who chaired the 41st District Farmers’ Day event, encouraged the district to shift from farming to agribusiness. She called on stakeholders to help build a tomatoes factory or similar processing facility to stimulate economic growth.

Speaking on the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” she said agriculture must be supported with strong policies, access to markets, and incentives that empower farmers to thrive.

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