In a significant development for the agricultural sector in Damongo, the Damongo Tractor Owners Association has announced a 15% reduction in tractor service charges per acre of farmland, effective June 3, 2025. This decision is expected to bring much-needed relief to local farmers who have been struggling to cope with the increasing costs of tractor services.
According to Alhaji Asumah Sakara Ronnie, the Chairman of the Association, the price reduction is attributed to the recent drop in fuel prices and the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar. Previously, farmers in Damongo paid GHS 300 per acre of farmland to plough their farms with a tractor, a price that had become a significant burden for many.
The price hike from GHS 250 per acre last year to GHS 300 per acre this year had been particularly challenging for farmers who are still recovering from the effects of the drought that hit the northern regions. Many farmers had expressed frustration over the consistent price increases, which have seen a GHS 50 hike since 2023. They argued that the rising costs were making it difficult for them to afford the services they need to cultivate their land.
However, Alhaji Ronnie explained that several factors contributed to the price increase, including the high cost of fuel and spare parts, which had been exacerbated by the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar. With the recent changes in the economy, the Association has deemed it necessary to pass on the benefits to the farmers.
The 15% reduction will bring the price down to GHS 255 per acre of farmland. However, Alhaji Ronnie noted that farmers could further negotiate with operators and pay GHS 250 per acre. This flexibility is expected to foster a better relationship between farmers and tractor operators, ultimately benefiting the agricultural community.
The potential price reduction is a welcome development for farmers in Damongo, who have been advocating for more affordable tractor services. The reduction will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector in the municipality, enabling farmers to increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Local farmers have expressed gratitude to the Association for listening to their concerns and taking steps to address them. Many believe that this reduction will enable them to allocate more resources to other critical areas of their farming activities, such as purchasing fertilizers and seeds.
The Damongo Tractor Owners Association’s decision to reduce service charges by 15% per acre of farmland is a significant step in the right direction. It is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of local farmers and contribute to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector in the municipality.
