The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has outlined a bold vision for Ghana’s agricultural sector under the Feed Ghana Agenda, an initiative aimed at improving food security, boosting productivity, and making farming more attractive to citizens.
During a high-level meeting in Accra with the Regional Directors of Agriculture, the Minister emphasized that agriculture must be a national priority, requiring strategic planning, collaboration, and long-term commitment.
The meeting, convened on short notice, served as an introduction between the Minister and the directors while providing a platform to share insights and align on policy direction.
Key Initiatives Under the “Feed Ghana Agenda”
As part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, the Minister announced several strategic initiatives designed to support farmers and improve the sector’s overall efficiency.
The government plans to establish Farmers’ Service Centers in every district across the country. These centers will stock essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, ensuring that farmers have easy access to necessary resources.
To promote collective farming efforts, the government will encourage farmers to form cooperative societies. These cooperatives will enable farmers to pool resources, access financial support, and share best practices to maximize output.
Recognizing the importance of input availability, the government will distribute seeds and fertilizers across various districts. This initiative aims to boost agricultural production in the short term and strengthen food security nationwide.
To address the persistent issue of post-harvest losses, the government will provide storage facilities at farm gates and within local communities. These facilities will help farmers preserve their produce, reduce spoilage, and enhance market value.
A Call to Action
Hon. Opoku urged the Regional Directors of Agriculture to take an active role in facilitating the implementation of these initiatives. He also emphasized the need to encourage greater participation in agriculture, particularly among the youth and urban populations.
In a broader appeal, the Minister called on public institutions, including schools and churches, to embrace farming as a means of achieving self-sufficiency and contributing to national food security.
The Feed Ghana Agenda marks a renewed effort by the government to revolutionize the agricultural sector, ensuring sustainability and prosperity for farmers and the country at large.