According to ghana news agency:ear-round agriculture are crucial.
He highlighted the government's commitment to irrigation, especially in areas near water bodies and regions with accessible underground water. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture plans to distribute solar-powered water pumps and drill boreholes for farmers, enabling them to farm independently of the national grid. The President noted that irrigated land could significantly increase productivity compared to rain-fed land.
President Mahama acknowledged the critical role of women farmers and fishers in agricultural transformation, highlighting the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farming Award Winners (GAFAFAW) as central to this effort. He also addressed high interest rates as a barrier to productivity, committing to providing single-digit credit for farmers.
The President expressed concern about the importation of food for the School Feeding Programme (SFP) while local farmers faced challenges with unsold produce. He directed that rice, maize, and poultry for the SFP be sourced locally to support Ghanaian farmers.
President Mahama also announced breakthroughs in agricultural research, such as a new weevil-resistant variety of cowpea, which could improve storage and reduce post-harvest losses. The government plans to commercialize improved seed varieties to boost productivity and food preservation.
A nationwide school agriculture programme is set to launch, requiring educational institutions to operate school farms. This initiative, led by a newly appointed National School Agriculture Coordinator, aims to produce livestock and vegetables for institutional consumption.
Under the 'Nkoko Nkitenkite' initiative, the government is distributing three million improved four-week-old chickens to registered farmers, along with feed, to promote profitable agriculture. President Mahama encouraged diverse participation in farming, citing its potential to complement salaried jobs.
He also commended the U.S. government for removing tariffs on several Ghanaian agricultural products, which could significantly boost exports. He urged farmers to capitalize on this expanded market opportunity, potentially increasing agricultural exports to the U.S. from the current $100 million.