By Prince Nornorme, GNA
Liati (V/R), Sept. 23, GNA – The Member of Parliament (MP) for Afadzato South, Mr Frank Afriyie, has visited Kumah Farms Enterprise at Liati in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region.Â
The visit formed part of the MP’s familiarization tour of farms and agribusinesses in the constituency to assess their operations, challenges and areas where support could be offered.
The farm is situated on 25 acres of land, with 15 acres under oil palm plantation and four acres under cashew cultivation, with the remaining acreage being prepared for future expansion.
The Chief Executive Officer of the enterprise, Mr Kumah, who conducted the MP around the farm, said the business was doing well and had created seasonal jobs for youth in the community.
He said the farm’s main challenges were the lack of ready market for produce, inadequate access to modern processing machinery, and high cost of farm inputs.
Mr Kumah appealed for support in acquiring a palm oil processing machine and cashew drying equipment to enable the farm to add value to its produce and increase income.
Mr Afriyie, after inspecting the vast plantation, commended the farmer for his hard work, dedication and contribution to agriculture and local economic development in Afadzato South.
He said the resilience and innovation demonstrated by Kumah Farms was an example of how the youth could leverage agriculture to create employment and wealth.
In an interview with Ghana News Agency during the visit to the farm Mr Frank Afriyie has assured the farmer of his support to facilitate access to basic farm machinery and link the enterprise to relevant government agencies and development partners.
He said agriculture remained a key driver of local economic development, food security and job creation, and reiterated his commitment to support farmers in the constituency.
Mr Afriyie noted that oil palm and cashew had huge potential on both the local and international markets, and value addition would help farmers earn more.
He said his office would work with the District Directorate of Agriculture to organise training and extension support for farmers to improve best practices and productivity.
Residents and farm workers who were present expressed appreciation to the MP for the visit and expressed hope that the intervention would boost production and create more jobs for the youth in Liati and surrounding communities.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade