Deputy Minister of Agriculture, John Dumelo, says government’s new direction for the sector is clear and deliberate.

He says the goal is to put value first and waste last as the country pushes an industry-led agricultural transformation.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, he explained that the theme for this year's National Farmers' Day current push was chosen to reflect a broader national vision.

“Well, the theme was selected because, basically, we launched the Feed Ghana Programme this April in Techiman. The Programme encompasses everything that we want to do as a country, in terms of agriculture.”

He said the priority is simple but urgent. “The most important thing is feeding ourselves, feeding the industry, and then exporting the rest.”

According to him, the industry must sit at the centre of the agenda if Ghana wants stronger gains.

“But feeding the industry is also very critical, because one, we need to add value to whatever it is that we produce.”

John Dumelo said value addition is not just about profit but about protecting farmers from losses.

“Now, adding value to whatever it is we produce would reduce post-harvest losses, which we are trying very hard to tackle.”

He linked the direction to recent developments in the market.

“And also feeding ourselves, of course, recently, with the glut issue, I think there was just an abundance of food for some reason.” He said the glut must push the country to process more and waste less.

The Deputy Minister believes the path is set and the momentum is positive.

“And so now the main focus is processing and feeding the industry and then exporting the rest. And so I think everything is on course.”

John Dumelo said the Feed Ghana Programme represents a bold shift. It is aimed at turning raw produce into value, protecting farmers from losses, and ensuring the sector feeds industries before feeding export markets.