Maize farmers in the Atebubu/Amantin Municipality have expressed serious concerns over a steep decline in maize prices, warning that the downturn threatens their livelihoods and could negatively affect local food security without immediate government support.
According to Mr. Dickson Williams Agyei, Chairman of the Atebubu Area Farmers Association, the price of a bag of maize has fallen drastically from around GH¢1,200 to GH¢400, leaving many farmers unable to recover the costs of production. He highlighted the situation during the association’s New Year meeting in Atebubu, describing the price drop as devastating for communities that rely heavily on maize cultivation for income.
Mr. Agyei explained that the low prices have pushed many farmers into debt, making it difficult to repay loans or cover essential expenses such as land preparation, agricultural inputs, and harvesting. Some farmers are reportedly considering scaling down or even abandoning maize production, a strategy that could have long-term consequences for both farmers and local food availability.
To address the crisis, Mr. Agyei urged the government to provide support through input assistance, improved access to affordable seeds, and measures to reduce production costs. He also recommended exploring export opportunities and structured markets to ensure farmers can secure fair and stable prices.
He emphasized that without timely intervention, the continuing decline in maize prices could discourage farming, exacerbate rural poverty, and undermine the overall resilience of the agricultural sector in the municipality.
