During a recent meeting with farmers in Buxton, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha addressed critical issues affecting agricultural productivity in the region.
One of the primary concerns raised by farmers during the meeting was the deteriorating state of the Buxton Middlewalk farm-to-market road, which has hindered access to farms and affected community productivity.
Responding to these concerns, Minister Mustapha announced that the rehabilitation of the Buxton Middlewalk road will commence within the next month.
This initiative aims to improve transportation and accessibility for farmers, thereby enhancing their ability to increase agricultural production.
In addition to road rehabilitation, Minister Mustapha assured farmers that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will continue its efforts to address drainage and irrigation issues in the area.
He acknowledged existing challenges with the execution of these works and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure maintenance.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted initiatives aimed at providing direct support to farmers.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will conduct a needs assessment to determine the requirements of local farmers for planting materials, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
This initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers by enhancing their capacity to optimize crop yields and improve overall farm productivity.
Minister Mustapha also addressed the concerns of cattle farmers, announcing plans to provide a breeding bull to improve livestock quality.
Additionally, he committed to establishing a special committee to collaborate closely with all farmers in the Buxton area, ensuring that their needs and challenges are effectively addressed.
The initiatives announced by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha underscore the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural development in Buxton, aiming to strengthen local farming communities and boost agricultural productivity across the region.
By Saskia Warrick for NCN News