OHIAMAADWEN: Rice and vegetable farmers in Ohiamaadwen, located in the Shama District, have called on the government to establish a Mechanization Centre in their area. The farmers argue that the availability of farm implements like combined harvesters, tractors, and power tillers is essential for enhancing commercial farming operations and improving their livelihoods. According to Ghana News Agency, the appeal was made by Mr. Jacob Ayera, Secretary to the Ohiamaadwen Rice Farmers Association, during a journalists' tour of their 150-acre farmland, which is cultivated by 45 farmers. Mr. Ayera highlighted that since 1983, the farmers have relied on manual labor for their agricultural activities. The absence of mechanized equipment has forced them to hire combined harvesters from regions such as the Volta Region and Asutuare, often incurring costs of GHc10,000 to harvest their produce. Mr. Ayera further noted that the Association has trained farmers from Kamgbunli in the Ellembelle District and is in urgent nee d of government assistance to sustain its operations. He emphasized the importance of the Shama District as a crucial food supplier for the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis and urged the government to address the concerns of rice farmers to enhance rice and vegetable production for the local population.