“Gov’t to intensify technical support for farmers” – Hon. Joseph Kwame Kumah

The Member of Parliament for Kintampo North and Vice Chairperson of Parliament Select Committee on Education,  Hon. Joseph Kwame Kumah, has expressed enthusiasm over the inclusive nature of the Feed Ghana Project.

According to him, the Feed Ghana Program is designed to benefit every Ghanaian from individuals and institutions to backyard farmers and livestock keepers.

In an interview with the media following the official launch of the program in Techiman, Hon. Kumah applauded President Mahama’s appeal for nationwide participation and highlighted key elements of the initiative that aim to engage citizens at all levels. He added that even those engaged in animal farming have been encouraged to improve their operations, with the government ready to provide assistance under the project.

“What excited me the most was when the President urged all and sundry to cultivate a backyard garden, called on Senior High Schools to establish school farms, and encouraged religious institutions to also venture into agriculture. This shows that the Feed Ghana Project has been designed to benefit every Ghanaian, and through collective effort, we will achieve food security. Even those involved in animal husbandry have been encouraged to scale up their efforts, as the government will also support them through this initiative.” He said

Hon. Kumah also revealed that the government plans to intensify technical support through Agricultural Extension Agents (AEA), who will visit both farms and backyard gardens. He encouraged farmers and the general public to invite these officers to their farms to ensure effective support and guidance.

The legislature further disclosed that government support has already begun, with critical farming inputs being distributed to institutions like the Ghana Prison Service, National Service Authority, and KNUST.

“As part of the Feed Ghana Project, Agriculture Extension Agents will not only visit our farms but also our backyard gardens to provide technical support. I would like to encourage everyone not to wait for the agents to visit; instead, we should proactively go to their offices and invite them to our farms and gardens for assistance.

“Today, the President has distributed fertilizers, tractors, seeds, and other inputs to institutions like the Ghana Prison Service, National Service Authority, KNUST, among others, to kick-start the Feed Ghana Project.” He stated

Hon. Joseph Kwame Kumah also urged the youth to embrace farming as a viable career, noting that many MPs are already engaged in agriculture and are ready to lead by example.

“We the Members of Parliament are also actively engaged in agriculture. Many MPs have farms. So if your Member of Parliament is into farming, what are you waiting for as a youth? The youth must embrace this project, it is a gateway to employment and prosperity. There are numerous opportunities in the agriculture sector, and the President, through the Feed Ghana Project, is ready to support young people who are ready to take that bold step.” He said.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net