By: Emmanuel Anyigba
THE MINISTER for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has called on Ghanaians to participate in backyard farming to support the national drive for food self-sufficiency.
Speaking to journalists to commemorate World Food Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Hon. Opoku emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving a more resilient farming system and ensuring food sufficiency for all.
Ghana’s Agricultural Potential
Ghana is blessed with fertile lands, abundant water bodies, and a vibrant youthful population capable of driving agricultural productivity.
Hon. Opoku encouraged every Ghanaian to participate in farming, particularly backyard gardening, to grow simple vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garden eggs. This, he said, would help save money and reduce household food expenses.
The Minister also called on schools and institutions, including the Military, Prisons Service, and Fire Service, to establish small farms within their compounds. This, he said, would help prevent food shortages and build a culture of agricultural engagement across all sectors.
Minister Opoku highlighted the government’s efforts to support farmers and improve food availability. He revealed that local farmers have expanded production, and food availability has improved across the country.
The government has also introduced initiatives to minimize post-harvest losses, including plans to establish cold storage facilities to preserve perishable crops like cassava and tomatoes.
The Minister assured farmers that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to supporting them. He encouraged farmers to sell their produce to the National Buffer Stock Company, which offers a higher purchase price. For example, a bag of maize can be sold to the Buffer Stock at GH¢450, while 50kg bags of rice and gari will be sold at GH¢625 each.
Hon. Agric Minister, Mr. Opoku emphasized President Mahama’s commitment to supporting farmers who have achieved bumper harvests. “The government will continue to help them so they can remain happy and successful in their farming work,” he said.
By working together, Ghanaians can achieve food self-sufficiency and build a more resilient farming system.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
