The Oti Regional Agric Director, Obrien Nyarko, has asserted that the Feed Ghana initiative, introduced by the ruling government, is a commendable program aimed at ensuring food security.
He said that the initiative will not only enhance food security but also improve nutritional outcomes.
According to him, the Oti Region has received 10,000 bags of NPK, and the agric department is providing inputs and agricultural advice to schools engaged in school farming.
Mr. Nyarko added that the Feed Ghana program will increase raw material supply to agro-industry, create sustainable employment, and enhance economic growth.
He stated that the program will reduce import dependency while boosting domestic production and export.
He noted that all schools engaged in school farming will receive support from the agriculture department. These schools, he added, will serve as farmer service centers, where they will receive modern machines and equipment.
Mr. Nyarko said the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented measures to include schools in the national farmers’ awards and provide advisory support to all masters in charge of farming.
The Feed Ghana Program, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to boost food production, reduce imports, and create jobs in agriculture-related sectors.
The program comprises several components, including crop development, increasing production and productivity of crops like maize, rice, soybeans, and vegetables through improved access to irrigation and extension services.
The initiative includes livestock development, institutional farming, encouraging schools, prisons, and other institutions to cultivate food crops and raise livestock to reduce food costs and promote agricultural values.
Additionally, the initiative focuses on youth empowerment, deploying 5,000 agriculture and veterinary graduates to support implementation, and promoting agri-entrepreneurship through initiatives like land banks and smart agriculture centers.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
