The Director of Agriculture expressed grave concern over the terrible conditions of agricultural tools meant for farmers in
the district citing “the only tractor in the district has since been damaged beyond repairs”
He said most the farmers cannot afford to hire the government tractor in the district and the few that can afford it do not
use them because it frequently develops mechanical problem on the field.
He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for the maintenance of both farmers and ministry equipments, but
however lamented that most of the tools have been left in disrepair due to the poor culture of maintenance.
The Director said tractors, power tillers, thrashers and other tools are abandoned all over the workshop, some with minor
repairs others major but sadly the government has been able to repair them despite the growing demand for tools by farmers
groups.
On the question of how can the ministry achieved food security without tools he responded by saying that the government has
recently acquired some tractors from India adding that it is only hoped that Kailahun will benefit from them, and proper
maintenance programs will be put in place to ensure efficient use of the agricultural equipments.
The Director is convinced that “we can’t achieve food security if farmers do not have the required tools to farm with,”
noting that the use of fertilizers pesticides and combined harvesters will increase yields considerably.
By Saidu Bah
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