The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has announced significant measures aimed at addressing the rising cost of grains and strengthening Ghana's food production system.
Addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister highlighted the alarming increase in grain prices over the past year and outlined a comprehensive plan to support farmers nationwide.
Dr. Acheampong noted that the price of a 100kg bag of grain, which sold for 300 Ghana cedis at the farm gate last year, has doubled to 600 Ghana cedis this year.
On some markets, the grains are being sold at an average of GHc700, GHc730 and GHc1,200.
To restore stability to the food supply chain and bridge the gap between Northern and Southern Ghana, Dr. Acheampong announced the commencement of a large-scale programme for the distribution of agricultural inputs.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has begun distributing 118,000 metric tons of fertilizer and 5,123 metric tons of seeds to 800,000 smallholder farmers across the country.
These inputs are targeted at farmers working on two acres or less, with each receiving two bags of MPK fertilizer, one bag of urea, and the necessary seeds for their crops.
In addition, 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer will be distributed to commercial farmers, with each receiving up to 50 bags of MPK and 25 bags of urea.
This initiative is expected to boost production, with a projected output of approximately 360,000 metric tons of paddy rice and 770,000 metric tons of wheat in the next 120 days.
“The goal is to supply these essential resources to both Southern and Northern farmers,” Dr. Acheampong said, adding that the planting season for the Southern sector has just begun, while the Northern Savannah and transition zones are already in the application phase, having planted weeks earlier.
The Minister further revealed that the government is collaborating with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and GIRSAL to secure 160 million Ghana cedis in interest-free loans for commercial farmers working on more than 10 hectares.
The Ministry has already secured 50 million Ghana cedis to cover the interests on these loans, ensuring that commercial farmers can access the funds without financial strain.
"By the end of this week, we expect the details of the agreement with ADB and GIRSAL to be finalized, and disbursement of loans will commence next week," Dr. Acheampong stated.
This comprehensive intervention, according to Dr. Acheampong, is part of the government's ongoing commitment to stabilizing food prices, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting the livelihoods of Ghanaian farmers.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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