Henry Quartey
HENRY QUARTEY, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has touted the second phase of the government’s flagship program – Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ2.0) – which was launched earlier this year, describing it as a “game changer” in Ghana’s agricultural history.
According to him, the program would serve as a master plan for the renewal of agriculture in Ghana, stressing that it would replace the old input subsidy program with the new input credit scheme.
This intervention, he explained, was designed to accelerate the development of agriculture through a value-chain approach.
“We expect that the new programme will boost productivity, guarantee food security, produce ample raw materials for sustained industrialization, promote exports, and generate job opportunities, particularly for our teeming youth”, the minister intimated.
The Regional Minister made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Greater Accra Regional Farmers’ Day Celebration held at Kpone Bawalashie, in the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly on Friday, December 1.
Speaking on the theme, “Delivering Smart Solutions for Food Security and Resilience”, Mr. Quartey underscored that: “In a world marked by rapid changes, climate uncertainties, and evolving technologies, we must embrace smart solutions to address the complex issues surrounding food production and distribution.”
Smart solutions, he explained, encompass a range of strategies – from the adoption of modern technologies to the implementation of sustainable farming practices.
Precision agriculture, the use of data-driven insights, and the integration of smart irrigation systems, the use of early maturing varieties that are drought tolerant, the incorporation of the use of organic compost fertilizers, effective weed and insect pest management are just a few examples of how technology can revolutionize the way we cultivate and harvest our crops.
These innovations, he added, not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
“Resilience in agriculture goes beyond technology. It involves building strong and supportive communities, investing in the education and training of our farmers, and creating robust supply chains that can withstand external shocks.
“It is in light of the above that this government, under the able leadership of H.E the President, is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and support to ensure that our farmers have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing landscape”, he stated.
On their part, Mr. Quartey revealed that the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council (GARCC) on their part, has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with TIAST Co-operation, China to industrialize and add value to agriculture to create jobs and ensure food security.
BY Nii Adjei Mensahfio