The Eastern Regional Chairman of Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), Nana Apedwahene Anim has indicated that the association has identified great potentials in the agricultural sector under the current Nana Akuffo Addo-led administration as long as policies are concerned.
According to Nana Apedwahene who spoke on Rite FM’s Agric Forum, there is hope for the agric sector based on plans and policies put in place by the government.
“Looking at government’s plans and policies put in place for the sector and how devoted this government is to the agricultural sector, there is hope for farming in the country to boost food security,” he asserted.
He noted that some of these policies being introduced by the gov
ernment have the potential of raking in several benefits for farmers.
“Government’s ‘operation planting for food and jobs policy’ is one of the pleasing initiatives introduced for farmers by the government which has come with its benefits. The policy has affected the farmers positively as they have access to improved seeds and subsidized fertilizers from the government and even more fertilizers than what the farmers can think of,” he noted.
The NPP’s Planting For Food and Jobs Policy which was launched at Goaso in the Western region is expected to create about 750,000 direct jobs in the first year of its operations, the Minister designate for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, disclosed.
This figure, according to him, will increase to over 1.5million in subsequent years as part of the implementation of the flagship policy.
According to Nana Apadwahene, the planting for food and jobs policy has boosted their economic fortunes and improved upon their production capacity. “This policy has contributed to our situation as farmers due to the availability of free improved seeds and subsidized fertilizers as we do not spend much on our production and the income is encouraging” he lamented.
Mr. Apedwahene added that government’s intention to develop livestock production will also save the country some money to undertake some developmental projects as the country spends huge sums of money to import frozen chicken into the country and that money can be used for other projects.
He advised the president to give sensitive agricultural policies to those who are selfless in order to give out their best to improve the sector as some of its members are concerned about their welfare.
To him, farmers must eschew partisan politics and support the president in his quest to fulfill every promise made to the agricultural sector to achieve a great future for the sector.
The planting for food and jobs policy is aimed at increasing food production and ensure sustainable supply of food at cheaper cost whilst creating jobs for the teeming youth in the country.
It is expected to roll out in all 216 districts across the country and will involve the supply of farm resources such as high yielding and improved seedlings to participating farmers to be carefully selected by both the regional and district directorates under the agric ministry.
Source: Austin Ofori//ritefmonline.org//austinofori.addo@gmail.com
