In a significant step to empower rural farmers and enhance food security, the Assin Odumasi Restoration Child and Youth Development Center (AORCYDC), in partnership with Compassion International, has distributed vital agro inputs to 80 farmers in the Assin Odumasi area.
The package, valued at GH¢56,000.00, includes essential farm inputs such as insecticides, fungicides, weedicides, and bags of fertilizer aimed at improving crop yields and boosting local agricultural productivity.
The distribution ceremony was held under the supervision of Rev. John Evans Arthur of the Abura Dunkwa Assemblies of God Church, who stressed the importance of responsible chemical use. He advised beneficiaries to carefully follow application instructions to avoid harming their health, the environment, and the long-term fertility of their farmlands.
“Agro chemicals must be used with caution. Misuse can negatively impact not just the farmers but also consumers and our ecosystems,” Rev. Arthur cautioned. “Farmers should avoid prolonged and excessive use in one location to protect soil health and biodiversity.”
He added that AORCYDC would deploy a monitoring team to assess how the chemicals are being used and provide technical support where necessary.
Project Director Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed Fenyo also underscored the environmental risks of improper chemical handling. He urged the farmers to store the agrochemicals safely and keep them away from living spaces to prevent accidents and contamination.
“Chemicals can seep into groundwater or run off into nearby rivers and streams, threatening aquatic life and potentially human health,” he warned.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Joyce Owusu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the farmers, describing the support as timely and impactful. “These inputs will make a real difference. We are hopeful for a better harvest this season,” she said.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by AORCYDC and Compassion International to support sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
