The Chamber of Agribusiness says the improper implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme has affected its ability to meet its expected goals.
The policy, one of the government’s flagship interventions was designed to improve food security and create jobs. It has however been criticized for failing to fully deliver on its targets.
JoyNews’ Justice Baidoo who visited parts of the Western Region reported a gradual shift from the growing of food crops to cash crops.
The reason for the shift was explained by some residents during an interaction. According to Gifty Archer, growing cash crops generates more income than growing food crops, hence the shift from oil palm to rubber.
“There were times you would even harvest oil palm fruit and there would be a glut. You won’t even get buyers, so since I grew up I have made a decision to stop farming food crops,” she told JoyNews.
However, Professor Robert Aidoo, an Agric economist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has warned that this shift could further escalate food prices.
He added that if the trend continues, the country may be forced to import food soon.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto speaking on PM Express on Monday stated that the planting for food and jobs programme has been perfect.
“I will score it 100 percent. This programme changes the psychology of the people towards agriculture,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
We object to government’s plans to make BEST sole off-taker of Sentuo Oil Refinery – CBOD
7 mins -
Burkina Faso army massacred 223 villagers in revenge attack – HRW
16 mins -
Germany detains alleged Nigerian mafia members
20 mins -
Manhyia Palace hosts royals, dignitaries from Ghana and beyond at special Awukudee
27 mins -
Celestine Donkor speaks on report of undergoing weight loss surgery
50 mins -
Bright Simons: The SML defence “falls flat”
57 mins -
We need long term macroeconomic stability to build a strong and vibrant economy – Deloitte Boss
57 mins -
Adomaa Adjeman to make theatre debut as Aku Sika in Prof Martin Owusu’s epic
59 mins -
U.S. government supports Ghanaian partners to protect Intellectual Property
1 hour -
Eric Johnson
1 hour -
Tanzania denies abuse reports as World Bank halts funds
1 hour -
2024 polls: The person I defeated twice can’t succeed me – Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
NBA: Miami Heat beat Boston Celtics to even series
2 hours -
Two sentenced for stealing over 1,000 bags of rice
2 hours -
Zulu monarchy in row over king’s praise singer
2 hours