Kpandai MP calls for agric disaster fund to cushion farmers

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam, has appealed to the government to establish an agricultural disaster fund to cushion farmers in times of disaster. 

Such a fund, he said, would serve as a dedicated financial mechanism to provide timely and targeted support to farmers affected by devastating bush fires, drought and floods.

“This fund will serve as a critical safety net, enabling affected farmers to recover, rebuild their livelihoods and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in disaster-prone areas,” he said.

In a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament, Mr Nyindam drew the House’s attention to a devastating bush fire that impacted five communities in Kpandai District--Bladjai, Bola, Kabonwule, Kitare, Nkanchina and Nanjiro.

Over 200 farmers were severely affected by the fire, which occurred from February 1 to 4, 2025, with more than 30 barns containing over 198,900 yams (tubers and sets) and 100 bags of cereals destroyed.

“The fire led to the widespread destruction of agricultural produce, particularly yam (both tubers and sets) and cereals, plunging numerous hardworking farmers into distress and posing a significant threat to livelihoods and food security in the region,” he said.

Reduced to ashes

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP said farming was not merely an occupation for the people of his constituency but a way of life, a vital source of sustenance and a cornerstone of the local economy.

He, therefore, expressed deep worry over how the devastating fire in the area spread rapidly, consuming farms and barns.

“In a matter of hours, months of relentless effort, sacrifice and investment were reduced to ashes,” he said.

He said in his capacity as the representative of the people, he contacted the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to expedite investigations to establish the cause of the fire and bring to book those behind it.

“Mr Speaker, the magnitude of this catastrophe cannot be overstated. It is not merely the loss of crops and food supplies that we mourn but the destruction of livelihoods, aspirations and financial stability for hundreds of families,” he said.

Burdened with debt

Mr Nyindam said many of the affected farmers had secured loans to finance their work, anticipating a harvest that would sustain them in the months ahead. “Now, they are burdened with crippling debts and no means of recovery,” the MP said.

Furthermore, he said the yam intended for the next planting season had been destroyed, jeopardising future agricultural cycles.

“Local markets, which depended on those farm produce for trade and sustenance, were already experiencing severe disruptions,” he said.

“If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the economic repercussions will escalate, deepening the hardship faced by my constituents and threatening the broader food security of our region,” he said.

Imminent food shortage

With imminent food shortage resulting from this disaster likely to extend beyond the constituency, Mr Nyindam said many regions that relied on the yams produced in Kpandai, recognised for its yam production, also stood to lose.

Mr Nyindam called for immediate and decisive intervention, urging the government, development partners and other humanitarian organisations to act swiftly in providing immediate relief to the affected farmers in the form of essential food supplies and financial assistance.