The Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in charge of crops, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, has urged farmers, stakeholders and the general public to inclusively participate in the ongoing Agritech exhibition at Accra International Conference Centre, Accra.
He made this statement at the opening ceremony of a three-day exhibition organized by AgriTech West Africa, in collaboration with FoodPack Tech-Ghana and Food and Beverage Ghana-West Africa.
He asserted that the exhibition is a clear indication of the ministry’s effort to improve the sector by helping achieving government policies.
According to him, the exhibition covers the entire value chain; from production process to the value addition. “It is very insightful to observe such function that encompasses whatever is need in the production process. I am very happy to be here and I want to urge the farmers and the value chain actors to patronise this event”, he added.
Exhibitions like this create linkages between farmers, manufacturers, and everyone involved in the agricultural industry.
He mentioned that the exhibition is critical that thrives the Planting for Food and Jobs phase II policy.
He urged farmers who have not registered for phase two of Planting for Food and Jobs to do so, as it will benefit them in the coming years.
He indicated that Planting for Food and Jobs phase two will last for five years, and those who woll register will enjoy benefits for the entire duration. Planting for Food and Jobs is a comprehensive package for all and will ensure food security in the country.
He highlighted the project’s transition from input subsidy to input credit, as it would involve a whole chain of events. Once a farmer registers their farming with the Planting for Food and Jobs phase two, it will appear on their Agribusiness platform, and the farmer will be linked to an Aggregator.
The Aggregator will ensure that whether the farmer needs land development services or any other requirements, everything necessary for the farmer to work will be provided, as the Aggregator serves as an intermediary between the farmers and the ministry.
He revealed this will reduce complaints from farmers who often claim they lack the needed materials to be productive. He further mentioned that the ministry has consulted with chiefs, who are willing to provide land to anyone interested in engaging in agriculture. He indicated that the ministry is addressing post-harvest losses by providing a ready market for farmers to sell their products.
