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The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has called on Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of backyard farming to support the national effort toward food self-sufficiency.
He made the appeal during an interaction with journalists in Accra to mark World Food Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The celebration, he said, reflects Ghana’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for all.
Hon. Opoku explained that the FAO was established eight decades ago after the devastating world wars to combat hunger and starvation globally. He noted that Ghana joins the international community to commemorate both milestones under the theme of unity, productivity, and sustainability.
According to him, Ghana is richly endowed with fertile lands, abundant water resources, and a vibrant youthful population capable of driving agricultural transformation.
“God has blessed our country with everything we need land, water, and energetic youth. All we need is unity to work together so that we can produce enough food for our people.”
The Minister encouraged every household to cultivate simple vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garden eggs in their compounds to supplement their meals and reduce food costs. He also urged schools, the security services, and public institutions to set up small farms within their premises to help prevent food shortages and promote a culture of agricultural engagement.
Hon. Opoku further disclosed that increased education and government interventions have led to a significant rise in local food production. He revealed that a bag of maize currently sells for GH¢300 on the market, but the National Buffer Stock Company is offering GH¢450 per bag to farmers. Similarly, a 50kg bag of rice or gari will be purchased at GH¢625 each to ensure fair prices and encourage continuous production.
To address post-harvest losses, the Minister announced plans by the government to establish cold storage facilities for preserving perishable crops such as cassava and other foodstuffs.
He also assured that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to supporting farmers who recorded bumper harvests this year.
“It is the will of President Mahama to support farmers who have produced beyond expectations. The government will continue to help them so they can remain happy and successful in their farming work.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.net
