By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), April 2, GNA – Farmers in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region have begun the 2026 planting season with renewed optimism following three consecutive days of rainfall, raising hopes for improved yields after months of uncertainty over weather patterns and market conditions.
The rains, which fell from Sunday, March 29 through Tuesday, March 31, have been described by local farmers as timely and sufficient to support the early stages of crop cultivation, particularly for staples such as maize and cash crops like cocoa.
Mr George Dorhame, a farmer based in Martin Kordzi, a suburb of Kadjebi, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that he had already commenced planting maize and was preparing his land for cocoa cultivation.
“We are very happy about the rain. It has given us the signal that the season has truly begun,” he said.
“If the rains continue steadily until June, we are hopeful of a bumper harvest this year.”
At Cocoa Market, another suburb within Kadjebi District, Mr Emmanuel Agbagba shared similar sentiments, expressing confidence that the rainfall pattern indicated a favourable farming season ahead.
“This is what we have been waiting for,” he noted. “The soil moisture is good, and many farmers have started planting. We believe the rains will continue and support our crops to maturity.”
Despite the optimism, Mr Agbagba raised concerns about persistent challenges facing cocoa farmers, particularly delays in payments for cocoa beans purchased.
He appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to expedite payments to ease financial pressures on farmers.
“The delay in payment is affecting us seriously. We need timely payment to reinvest in our farms and support our families,” he said.
Some farmers in the district also highlighted the rising cost of inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals, urging authorities to consider interventions that would make these inputs more affordable and accessible.
Agricultural extension officers in the area have reportedly begun engaging farmers, advising them on best planting practices, climate-smart agriculture, and pest control measures to maximize yields during the season.
The Kadjebi District, known for its cocoa production and food crop farming, plays a significant role in the agricultural output of the Oti Region.
Consistent rainfall remains a critical factor in ensuring food security and sustaining livelihoods in the area.
As the planting season gathers momentum, farmers remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that favourable weather conditions will persist and that longstanding systemic challenges within the agricultural sector will be addressed to ensure a productive and profitable season.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba