The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to rehabilitate the Middlewalk farm-to-market access road in Buxton. The project is expected to bring substantial improvements to the agricultural infrastructure in the area while boosting economic activities in the region.
The announcement came during a community consultation held at the Practical Instruction Centre (PIC) in Friendship, where Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha addressed the concerns of local residents.
During the consultation, Minister Mustapha listened attentively to the grievances and suggestions from the Buxton community. Residents expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of the Middlewalk road, which is crucial for transporting agricultural produce from farms to markets. The road’s poor condition has long been a hindrance to farmers, affecting the timely delivery of goods and inflating transportation costs.
In response to these concerns, Minister Mustapha assured the community that the government is committed to addressing these issues. He emphasized the importance of the Middlewalk road in supporting the local agricultural economy and highlighted the government’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of farmers in Buxton and surrounding areas.
The rehabilitation of the Middlewalk road is just one aspect of a multifaceted approach to uplift the agricultural sector in Buxton. As part of this initiative, the government will distribute four mechanical tillers to farmers in Buxton and Friendship. The machinery is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of farming operations, reducing the manual labor required and speeding up the cultivation process.
Furthermore, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is set to play a crucial role in the project. Contracts have already been awarded to clear several canals in the area, a move that will improve drainage and irrigation. This is vital for preventing waterlogging and ensuring a steady water supply for crops, which are critical issues for local farmers.
Minister Mustapha stressed the importance of maintaining the canals once they are cleared. “We cannot continue to do mechanical excavation of these canals and allow it to be clogged up again,” he said. He also committed to repairing the intake structure, an essential component of the irrigation system, at a cost of $14 million. This will ensure a consistent flow of water to farmlands, mitigating the risk of drought and other water-related issues.
In addition to the road and canal works, the government is taking immediate steps to support local farmers. Within a week, rehabilitation of the irrigation structure will commence to facilitate a smoother flow of water. This rapid response underscores the government’s proactive approach to addressing the infrastructural needs of the agricultural sector.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will also contribute to these efforts by distributing planting materials and fertilizers to cash crop farmers in the area. This support aims to boost crop yields and enhance the overall productivity of the agricultural sector in Buxton.
The rehabilitation of the Middlewalk road and the accompanying agricultural improvements are expected to have far-reaching impacts on the Buxton community. Improved road conditions will facilitate easier and faster transportation of goods to markets, reducing costs for farmers and increasing their profit margins. The enhanced drainage and irrigation systems will ensure that crops receive adequate water, leading to better yields and more reliable production cycles.
The community has welcomed the government’s plans with optimism and residents are hopeful that the rehabilitation of the Middlewalk road and the other planned interventions will bring about much-needed improvements to their farming operations and overall quality of life.
