Charcoal production is taking the farming community away from the fields because it gives more money.
This is the assessment of the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Betty Achan Ogwaro.She told the press on Tuesday that massive charcoal production destroys the environment and it is creating food insecurity.
Dr Achan explained that if there is no local food produced in the area, money will have no value.
She encouraged people to produce more food than charcoal.
Dr Achan warned that agriculture needs improved roads.
She said if roads are not maintained agricultural produce will be wasted and farmers get discouraged.
The minister explained that some farmers shifted to charcoal because it does not rot while grains get spoiled and the post-harvest is very expensive.
Dr Achan said her ministry is going to regulate charcoal production in order to protect the environment and increase food production.