Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong has stated that Ghana will soon have the capacity to produce food on a larger scale in the next five years.
Speaking at the official opening of the National Farmers’ Day exhibition dubbed 'Agrifest- 2023' in Accra recently, said government had set the five-year target to become self-sufficient in food production through the implementation of Phase Two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme.
Over 150 exhibitors are showcasing their agricultural products at the five-day event being held at the Ministerial enclave in Accra.
The PFJ phase Two, launched in October by the President, aims to increase agricultural productivity, create jobs, and reduce food imports.
The institution of National Farmers’ Day is, therefore, recognising agriculture as a major priority sector in the nation’s development agenda.
The event is the biggest statu¬tory obligation that provides the platform to celebrate Ghanaian farmers and fishers for their con¬tribution to the local and national economy.
This year’s Awards Night ceremony will be held at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), where President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will honour the best-performing farmers and fishers.
“Food security requires a holistic approach and involves actions targeting enhancing access to high-quality inputs and mechanisation services, efficient and effective delivery of knowledge and advisory services, and structured market arrangements,” he said.
These interventions he said, were also strategic and have proven to be the main drivers for improving the productivity and incomes of food producers.
“It is important to note that we need to increase investments in enhancing agricultural production capacity through enhanced agricultural research and extension services, and technology development.
It also requires stronger partnerships with global, regional, and national development agen¬cies to capitalise on the synergies of the different programmes and interventions.
These interventions aim to substantially expand employment opportunities and achieve higher levels of economic productivity,” he said.
Given the current state of agriculture in Ghana, he said, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture reviewed its strategy to implement the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II (PFJ 2.0) to build on the successes of the initial/first PFJ campaign.
“It takes a holistic view of the value chain approach by focusing on strengthening linkages among actors along selected agricultural commodity value chains and improving service delivery to maximise impact,” he said.
“As we celebrate this day, the good people of Ghana congratulate all farmers and fishers. On this special occasion, all attention is focused on farmers and fishers, in honour,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
Reason for training professional counsellors is to heal a hurting world – CCP president
3 mins -
Woman allegedly brings dead man to bank to take out a loan
11 mins -
It’s a good feeling to score against PSG because I’m a Marseille boy – Andre Ayew
36 mins -
Joe Lartey Sr: A voice that brought life to Ghana sports and beyond
1 hour -
Bawumia promises to tackle issue most dear to Ghanaians as he begins nationwide campaign
2 hours -
Indian couple donate $24m fortune to charity to adopt monkhood
3 hours -
Australians call for tougher laws on violence against women after killings
3 hours -
African Development Council establishes mission in Benin for Francophone countries
3 hours -
Okyeame Kwame reveals his secret to longevity in music industry
3 hours -
Youthful-looking 60-year-old woman qualifies for Miss Argentina contest
3 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: Campaign heats up as NPP holds final rally ahead of Polls on Tuesday
4 hours -
Rwanda plan: Irish government wants to send asylum seekers back to UK
4 hours -
Ice cubes now cost more than bread and milk in parts of Mali
5 hours -
Titanic gold pocket watch sells for £900,000
6 hours -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving – reports
6 hours