The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has supplied 4,800 bags of fertiliser to the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG). This support includes 4,000 bags of inorganic fertiliser and 800 bags of organic fertiliser. The ministry also presented five agricultural drones to the association.
This initiative aims to bolster Ghanaian farmers during the major planting season in northern Ghana and the upcoming minor season in the southern sector. It is part of the government's broader 'Feed Ghana Programme'. The programme seeks to elevate agricultural productivity, secure food supply, and improve farmers' earnings.
Ghana's agricultural sector contributes significantly to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing a large portion of the population. However, it faces challenges including limited access to modern inputs and technologies. Government interventions like the 'Feed Ghana Programme' and 'Planting for Food and Jobs' have become essential. These programmes provide subsidies and resources to boost domestic food production and reduce reliance on imports. This effort also addresses volatility in global food prices, which impacts Ghana’s inflation rates.
Mr. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, stated that the intervention ensures farmers not reached by district agricultural offices also receive support. He highlighted the government's commitment to fairness and inclusiveness in its agricultural programmes. Mr. Opoku added, “The Ghanaian farmer remains central to our food security and economic transformation.”
The ministry's donation of agricultural drones signals a move towards precision agriculture. These drones will help farmers monitor crop health, detect pests early, map farmlands, and refine farm management. This technology can reduce production costs, increase yields, and minimise chemical waste. Increased agricultural production is crucial for stabilising food prices, cutting food imports, creating jobs, and supplying raw materials to industries. Further distribution of about 8,000 cartons of organic fertiliser to other farmer groups, vegetable producers, and irrigation schemes is also planned. This aims to improve soil health and promote sustainable farming practices. These measures are expected to accelerate the transformation of Ghana's agricultural landscape.