Kpandai farmers, yam sellers cry over low prices

Farmers and yam sellers in the Kpandai District of Ghana's Northern Region are pleading with the government and key partners to step in, as they face persistent difficulties with low prices for their produce. The current prices are well below what they earned last year, despite having to incur higher costs for production. Speaking to an Adom News correspondent, the farmers explained that mounting expenses for farm inputs, labor, transportation, and other related costs have made yam farming a daunting task.

They admitted to being forced to sell their crops at prices that barely cover their investments. The yam traders in the area are also apprehensive about the prevailing circumstances, stating that the low farm-gate prices coupled with exorbitant transportation expenses are adversely impacting their businesses and diminishing profit margins.

In response, the farmers and traders are urging for a dependable market for yam and enhanced returns for producers. They also appealed for enhanced storage facilities, better road networks, and stronger market linkages, all aimed at curbing post-harvest losses and boosting their earnings. The stakeholders fear that if the present situation persists, some farmers might be dissuaded from continuing with yam production, even though it serves as a primary source of income for many locals in the district.