Kumasi, -The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Juaben, Mr Kodjo Ansah-Sem, has distributed 10,000 palm seedlings to farmers in the Municipality under the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) programme.
This follows the distribution of coconut seedlings to other farmers aimed at driving the local economy through farming for sustainable livelihoods.
The government in 2019 launched PERD to promote rural economic growth and improve household incomes of rural farmers through the provision of certified improved seedlings, Extension services, business support and regulatory mechanisms.
The programme also seeks to create a sustainable raw material base for farmers across the country to increase Ghana’s revenue in the exportation of agricultural products.
Juaben is known as one of the hubs for oil palm plantations because of the existence of the Juaben Oil Mills, which provides a ready market for farmers.
This, according to the MCE, provided a fine opportunity for farmers to embrace the PERD programme to support the local factory to grow and also boost the local economy
He said the government was investing in both PERD and Planting for Food and Jobs, not only to increase food production but also to raise the income levels of beneficiaries.
He, therefore, implored the youth to take advantage of the two innovative programmes to improve their lives.
The MCE was confident that patronage of such interventions by the people would promote Agriculture in the Municipality and urged the beneficiaries to adhere to the directives of extension officers to ensure maximum yields.
Source: Ghana News Agency