The government has announced its readiness to establish Agricultural zones in parts of the country which have the potential to become food baskets for the nation. The strategy is a complementary initiative aimed at addressing accessibility to large tracts of agricultural land, which in turn would drive sustainable and commercially oriented agriculture.
The project, which is under Phase II two of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative is to be established in the Afram Plains, Tsopoli, Kumawu, Krachi and Nkoranza, among other areas.
Delivering his penultimate State of the Nation’s Address to Parliament, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the initiative would facilitate the country’s vision of becoming self-sufficient in food production.
Government has determined that large-scale commercial farming is the easiest way to achieve food self-sufficiency, hence the need to establish Agricultural Zones as a complementary initiative to address the issue of access to large tracts of agriculture land and to drive sustainable and commercially oriented agriculture.
As a result, government will collaborate with the private sector for essential provisions, including irrigation and infrastructure, develop access roads, extend power and provide mechanisation services.
The President also gave the assurance that government is also investing in making the agricultural space more attractive to the youth with the continuous incorporation of technology.
According to the President, some farming implements like power tillers, maize shellers, units of combine harvesters and rice millers have been distributed to farmers under the third and final tranche of the Brazilian More Food Programme.
Processors and mechanisation service providers on hire purchase arrangement have also been made available to farmers, with the hope of distributing more farming tools to the sector.
The President believes that enhancing technology utilisation in the agricultural space would significantly expand Ghana’s productive capacity in rice, soybean, maize and tomatoe.
The announcement by the government to establish Agricultural Zones in key parts of the country marks a significant step towards achieving food self-sufficiency and driving sustainable agriculture.
The establishment of Agricultural Zones presents a strategic approach to addressing the challenges of access to large tracts of agricultural land.
The emphasis on collaboration with the private sector is commendable, as it recognises the importance of partnerships in driving agricultural development. By leveraging private sector resources and expertise, the government can ensure the provision of essential amenities such as irrigation, infrastructure, access roads, and mechanization services, which are crucial for the success of agricultural ventures.
Furthermore, the government’s investment in making agriculture more attractive to the youth by incorporating technology is a forward-thinking approach. We believe that by harnessing the power of technology, such as agricultural machinery and equipment, the government is not only alleviating the drudgery associated with farming but also enticing young people to pursue careers in agriculture.
This move is particularly important as it addresses the aging farming population and encourages youth participation in the agricultural sector, ultimately securing the future of food production in Ghana.
Additionally, the provision of processors and mechanization services on a hire purchase arrangement further demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their agricultural practices.
The Chronicle believes that the establishment of Agricultural Zones, coupled with investments in technology and mechanisation, holds the potential to transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth and development.
By working collaboratively with stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives like the establishment of Agricultural Zones, Ghana can unlock its agricultural potential and emerge as a leader in food production in the region.
