TECHNOSERVE SUPPORTS 240 FARMERS (PAGE 31)

Technoserve, an American non-governmental organisation, has supported 240 farmers in the Upper West Region with farming inputs this year.
The inputs, which include seeds, fertilisers and extension services, are to enable the farmers to plant maize, groundnut and soya bean.
Mr Tom Bonney, the Senior Project Manager of Technoserve, announced this at a farmers Field Day at Kpongu in the Wa Municipality.
He said the strategy was to facilitate the adoption of improved maize production technology among farmers.
He said farmers receiving the inputs support would also be assisted to market their produce through an inventory credit programme.
Mr Bonney said after demonstrating the productivity potential of "Mamaba," a new variety of maize, Technoserve intended to support selected seed growers to produce more seeds of the improved crop varieties to be supplied to farmers.
"We look at how best we can work with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other institutions in this regard," he added.
Mr Bonney encouraged the farmer whose farm was used for the demonstration and those who had received input support to share their experiences with others.
For his part, the Food Aid Specialist of USAID, Mr Alfred Osei, urged farmers to adopt the new varieties and their accompanying production technologies in order to reap maximum benefits from their high yields and nutritional qualities.
"This is the time for Ghana to produce enough to take advantage of the increasing food prices," he stressed.
He thanked Technoserve and all their development partners for the continued support in addressing the food security needs of the people of the Upper West Region.