The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) releases 25,000 bags of fertilizer to 413 schools registered and participating in the Feed Ghana Programme for the minor season aiming to boost the food economy.
In a press release, the Ministry revealed that the fertilizer distributed to the school farms is to support crop production and improve agricultural productivity in Ghana.
“This intervention is part of the Ministry’s efforts to support the ongoing minor season crop production and ensure sustained agricultural productivity across the country.”
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
As part of broader efforts to develop the interest of students in Primary, JHS, and SHS as well as the youth in agriculture, the Ministry is keen on improving crop yield to ensure the Feed Ghana Programme sustains Ghana’s food security.
“The fertilizer support aims to enhance crop yields and strengthen the contribution of school farms, particularly those operated by Primary, Junior High, and Senior High schools, to national food and nutrition security.”
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
The Ministry has directed the Deputy Feed Ghana Coordinator to ensure that all beneficiary schools receive their share of the fertilizer. Since the minor season is a short period, early distribution and application of the fertilizers will yield timely desired results.
“The Deputy Feed Ghana Coordinator in charge of Institutional Farming has been directed to ensure the immediate distribution of the fertilizer to all beneficiary schools to facilitate timely application and achieve the desired impact.”
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Feed Ghana Programme
The Feed Ghana Programme was launched officially in April this year where a new fertilizer subsidy programme was unveiled to reiterate the Ministry’s commitment in providing the needed materials to improve Ghana’s food security and productivity.
According to the MoFA, the Feed Ghana Programme’s goal is “to accelerate the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector, ensure food security, create sustainable employment, and enhance economic growth by reducing import dependency while boosting domestic production and export.”
Through the program, agricultural imports will be reduced, nutritional outcomes will be improved, supply more raw materials to agro-industries to add value to them, and create more jobs and wealth for Ghanaians and the economy.
To achieve these objectives, the programme selected 22 priority commodities value chains grouped under Cereals and Legumes, Vegetables, Starchy Crops, Livestock, and Tree Crops.
The programme also outlines 9 sub-programmes for effective policy framework and implementation. They are Crop Development, Livestock Development, Establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCS), Farm Banks, Institutional Farming, Feed the Industry, Infrastructure Development and Agro-Production Enclaves (AgPE), Innovative Agricultural Financing, and Institutional Development and Regulatory Framework.
Individual farmers and cooperates can participate in this programme.
MoFA’s fertilizer distributions
The Ministry has coordinated fertilizer distributions to specific areas, unions and groups within the country.
In July, the Ministry distributed 3,000 bags of fertilizer to the Ashaiman Farmers Union to support their efforts in food production as well as the government’s effort to boost food production across the country and empower rural economies by creating sustainable livelihoods.
Under the Ashaiman Farmers Union, many crops are produced: staple crops like maize and rice; and vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, sweet pepper, and spring onions.
In August, 40,000 bags of fertilizer were distributed to 8 regions and constituencies in the country. These fertilizers were donated by the Moroccan government to be freely given to farmers.
The beneficiaries are the Volta Region (20,000 bags), Oti Region (10,000 bags), the Peasant Farmers Association (5,000 bags), the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency (1,000 bags), the Afram Plains North and South constituencies (1,000 bags each), the Jirapa Constituency (500 bags), the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency (1,000 bags), and the Bia West Constituency (500 bags).
Subsequently, additional 25,000 fertilizers were released to the farmers of Upper East, Upper West, North East, and Savannah Regions to complement the ongoing fertilizer distribution.
Minister’s Caution
As fertilizers are distributed, the Minister, Hon. Eric Opoku warns against diversions of the fertilizers. Urging that the programme is a shared responsibility of all. The group leaders must ensure timely and equitable sharing of the fertilizers. He added that
“This time, we have decided to give the fertilizers to the targeted groups. You are the leaders of the people, and you also share in the responsibility to ensure that we achieve the best for them.”
Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister – Ministry of Food and Agriculture
The minister while serving this caution also revealed the government’s confidence in the farmers ability to deliver stating that “We believe that you can deliver without any mistake”
No one is left out in this effort of growing what we eat and exporting the excess.
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