The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, has said the government is creating the necessary environment to motivate farmers to play their roles more effectively.
He added that the government has been sensitive to the needs of farmers as evidenced in its efforts to help them optimise productivity through the provision of modern technology and other resources.
The Minister made these remarks in Tamale last Friday during the 2023 Farmers’ Day celebration on the theme, “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.”
Alhaji Shaibu said one of the notable solutions to food security is the implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme.
“After six years of implementation, there have been notable successes, especially in the utilisation of fertilizer, acceptance and adoption of improved seeds as well as the approval of good agronomic practices by farmers leading to increased productivity and production,” he said.
He added that the policy objective was to boost productivity, guarantee food security, produce ample raw materials for sustained industrialisation, promote export and generate job opportunities, particularly for the teeming youth.
He disclosed that 461,584 farmers in the region benefitted from the policy by receiving agricultural inputs and technical services.
The Minister expressed optimism that phase two of PFJ would change the face of agriculture in Ghana.
He added that in the wake of challenges such as land ownership, limited market access, financial services, climate change, post-harvest losses, high cost of inputs and low return on investments, farmers have remained dedicated to the agricultural sector, which is the driving force of Ghana’s food security, job creation, industrialisation, economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
Kanjal Tibithe from Yendi was crowned the 2023 Northern Regional Best Farmer.
Bala Ali & Salifu Abdulai Yakubu, ISD
