Farmers in Markham District are calling for better support as they continue to face challenges in growing watermelons, a crop they have cultivated for over two decades. The President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association highlighted the district’s ideal growing conditions for watermelons, which are known to be sweeter than those from other parts of the country. "Markham District is perfect for watermelon farming, and our crops have been thriving here for more than 20 years," said the President. However, a lack of reliable water supply is hampering their productivity. "Water is critical to our success, but we don’t have proper irrigation systems in place," the President explained. "The farmers rely on organic methods, purchasing seeds from stores, and planting without fertilizers. We grow our watermelons with our own hands, but we don’t receive any assistance or training from organizations," he added. The President also criticized the government for its lack of support for local farmers. "The government is not helping us, and we are farming out of our own determination and hard work," he said. Watermelon prices range between K5 and K50, but this fluctuates depending on water availability. "The inconsistent water supply makes it difficult to maintain stable production," the President noted. Farmers are also dealing with the impact of the redevelopment of the old main market, which has limited their sales opportunities. "Despite this, some of our farmers have managed to sell their produce to companies like Kainantu Mining," said the President. The President is calling for donor support to help address the water supply issues and provide essential training. "If we had the right support, we could improve our farming practices and significantly increase our watermelon production," he said.