Sissala Farmers Shift to Sesame and Soybean Farming Amid Rising Maize Production Costs
Sissala, Ghana – In the Sissala enclave, a significant shift in agricultural practices is underway as many local farmers are transitioning from maize to sesame and soybean cultivation. This change is primarily attributed to the escalating costs associated with maize production in recent years.
According to Ghana News Agency, a commercial farmer in Sissala East, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, the impact of this shift is already noticeable and is having a considerable effect on maize production. Maize, traditionally a staple crop in the region producing over 100,000 metric tonnes annually, is facing reduced attention from farmers.
Sesame was introduced to the area’s farmers in 2020, while soybean caught their interest around 2018. Mr. Sumaila explained that these crops are now more popular among farmers than maize, partly due to the land tenure system in the area that allows for shifting cultivation. He noted that the increasing interest in farming and the limited availability of expandable land have led to stagnant farm sizes.
Mr. Sumaila provided a detailed cost-benefit analysis to highlight the economic rationale behind the shift. For sesame, the production cost per acre is around GHS 1,420.00, with an average yield of three 100kg bags selling at GHS 1,500.00 each, totaling GHS 4,500.00 in sales. This results in a profit of GHS 3,080.00 per acre. For soybean, the cost of production per acre is GHS 1,655.00, with an average yield of seven 100kg bags, leading to a more profitable outcome.
In contrast, maize production costs GHS 4,520.00 per acre, with an average yield of sixteen 16 bags per acre. This results in a net revenue of just GHS 370.00 per acre and a total revenue of GHS 5,550.00.
Mr. Sumaila warned that if this trend continues, it could reverse the gains made in food security, particularly for maize, which is a staple food in Ghana and crucial for the poultry and brewery industries. He urged the government to address issues such as road infrastructure to maize-producing areas, availability of inputs like improved seeds and fertilizers, and the absence of adequate warehousing.
A smallholder farmer, Mr. Narima Abudu, shared his experience, stating that the profits from his five acres of sesame cultivation allowed him to buy a tricycle. However, he now plans to cultivate less maize, focusing on feeding his family.
Mr. Samuel Akwetteh, the Sissala East Municipal Crop Officer at the Department of Agriculture, reported that despite the shift, maize production has been increasing. In 2020, Sissala East produced 82,295.1 tonnes of maize, 2021 saw 107,806.5 tonnes, and 2022 recorded 120,204.2 metric tonnes, excluding private productions.