Farm Banks should be a basic provision, not a policy focus – Prof. Kanton

Professor Roger Kanton, former Deputy Director-General of CSIR-SARI, has criticized the government's plan to establish farm banks as the primary strategy for boosting agricultural productivity.

Speaking on Channel One News on February 22, he argued that while access to farm banks is essential, it should be a fundamental provision for farmers not the main focus of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

According to Prof. Kanton, more critical policy issues need attention, such as ensuring farmers have access to quality seeds produced locally instead of relying on imports and eliminating unnecessary debates over GMOs.

He also emphasized the urgent need for essential farming machinery like tractors, particularly as acidic soils require lime treatment before fertilization.

Overall, he called for policies that directly enhance production, efficiency, and profitability in agriculture.