The Chamber of Agribusiness says the improper implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme has affected its ability to meet its expected goals.
The policy, one of the government’s flagship interventions was designed to improve food security and create jobs. It has however been criticized for failing to fully deliver on its targets.
JoyNews’ Justice Baidoo who visited parts of the Western Region reported a gradual shift from the growing of food crops to cash crops.
The reason for the shift was explained by some residents during an interaction. According to Gifty Archer, growing cash crops generates more income than growing food crops, hence the shift from oil palm to rubber.
“There were times you would even harvest oil palm fruit and there would be a glut. You won’t even get buyers, so since I grew up I have made a decision to stop farming food crops,” she told JoyNews.
However, Professor Robert Aidoo, an Agric economist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has warned that this shift could further escalate food prices.
He added that if the trend continues, the country may be forced to import food soon.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto speaking on PM Express on Monday stated that the planting for food and jobs programme has been perfect.
“I will score it 100 percent. This programme changes the psychology of the people towards agriculture,” he said.
