Professor Roger Kanton, former Deputy Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), has criticized the government’s emphasis on establishing farm banks as a primary strategy to boost agricultural productivity. In a recent interview with Channel One News on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Prof. Kanton argued that while access to farm banks is important, it should be treated as a basic provision for farmers rather than a central policy focus.
Instead, he urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to prioritize more pressing issues that directly impact agricultural production, efficiency, and profitability. These include access to quality seeds, soil treatment, and the availability of essential farming machinery.
Farm Banks: A Basic Need, Not a Policy Focus
Farm banks, which provide financial services tailored to the needs of farmers, are often seen as a critical tool for supporting agricultural development. However, Prof. Kanton believes that their establishment should not overshadow more fundamental challenges facing Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“Farm banks are important, but they should be a basic provision for farmers, not a policy focus,” he stated. “There are more critical issues that need immediate attention to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure the sustainability of our farming systems.”
The Real Challenges: Seeds, Soil, and Machinery
Prof. Kanton highlighted several key areas that require urgent attention from policymakers:
1. Access to Quality Seeds
One of the most pressing issues facing Ghanaian farmers is the lack of access to high-quality seeds. Prof. Kanton emphasized that the government should focus on producing and distributing quality seeds locally rather than relying on imports.
“Farmers don’t even have seeds,” he said. “This is a basic issue that needs to be addressed. Instead of discussing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which I have always opposed, we should focus on producing quality seeds and making them readily available to our farmers.”
2. Soil Acidity and Fertilizer Use
Another critical challenge is the high acidity of soils in many parts of Ghana. Prof. Kanton explained that without proper soil treatment, the application of fertilizers becomes ineffective.
“Most soils in this country are highly acidic,” he noted. “If they are not treated with lime before adding fertilizer, the fertilizer becomes ineffective. This is a fundamental issue that affects crop yields and agricultural productivity.”
3. Access to Farming Machinery
The lack of access to essential farming machinery, such as tractors, remains a significant barrier to efficiency in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Prof. Kanton pointed out that many farmers struggle to prepare their fields due to the unavailability of tractors, leading to delays and reduced productivity.
“Farmers still struggle to prepare their fields, often waiting for weeks or even months to get access to tractors,” he said. “Tractors are essential, and ensuring their availability should be a priority for the government.”
Opposition to GMOs
Prof. Kanton also reiterated his opposition to the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Ghana’s agricultural sector. He argued that the focus should be on improving local seed production and distribution rather than relying on imported GMO seeds.
“We do not need GMOs,” he stated. “We should focus on producing quality seeds locally and making them available to our farmers. This will not only enhance productivity but also ensure food security and sustainability.”
A Call for Policy Realignment
Prof. Kanton’s remarks underscore the need for a realignment of agricultural policies to address the fundamental challenges facing Ghana’s farming communities. While financial services like farm banks are important, they should complement, rather than overshadow, efforts to improve access to quality seeds, soil treatment, and farming machinery.
“These are basic issues that every government should focus on,” he emphasized. “Enhancing agricultural production, productivity, efficiency, and profitability should be the priority. Without addressing these challenges, other interventions will have limited impact.”
The Broader Context: Ghana’s Agricultural Sector
Ghana’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, employing over half of the workforce and contributing significantly to GDP. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, limited access to credit, and the impacts of climate change.
Efforts to modernize the sector and improve productivity have included initiatives such as the Planting for Food and Jobs program, which aims to increase crop yields and ensure food security. However, as Prof. Kanton’s comments highlight, there is still much work to be done to address the fundamental issues that hinder agricultural development.
The Way Forward
To achieve sustainable agricultural development, Prof. Kanton called for a holistic approach that prioritizes the needs of farmers and addresses the root causes of low productivity. Key recommendations include:
1. Investing in Local Seed Production
The government should support research and development efforts to produce high-quality seeds locally. This will reduce dependence on imports and ensure that farmers have access to affordable, reliable seeds.
2. Promoting Soil Health
Initiatives to treat acidic soils and promote sustainable land management practices should be prioritized. This includes the widespread application of lime and the promotion of organic farming methods.
3. Improving Access to Machinery
The government should invest in the procurement and distribution of essential farming machinery, such as tractors, to improve efficiency and reduce delays in field preparation.
4. Enhancing Farmer Education and Training
Providing farmers with the knowledge and skills to adopt modern farming techniques and technologies is essential for improving productivity and sustainability.
Prof. Roger Kanton’s critique of the government’s focus on farm banks highlights the need for a more balanced and comprehensive approach to agricultural development in Ghana. While financial services are important, they must be complemented by efforts to address the fundamental challenges facing farmers, including access to quality seeds, soil health, and farming machinery.
By prioritizing these issues, the government can create a more resilient and productive agricultural sector that supports the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians and contributes to the country’s economic growth.
Source: Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana
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