255
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has underscored the significance of agriculture in Ghana’s development, stating that it is only through agriculture that the country can truly progress.
During a courtesy call by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, the Asantehene urged the sector minister to ensure that agriculture is made fruitful for its intended purpose.
He emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of Ghana’s economy and that its development is crucial for the country’s growth and prosperity.
The Asantehene noted that it is only the aged who are currently into farming, and therefore, it is essential to make agriculture lucrative for all, especially the youth.
He stressed that the youth should be encouraged to take up farming as a viable career option, and that measures should be put in place to support them. By making agriculture more attractive to the youth, the country can increase its food production and reduce its reliance on imports.
The Asantehene also highlighted the challenge of land availability for farming.
He expressed his willingness to avail lands for those who want to engage in farming and to liaise with chiefs to release lands for farming purposes.
He emphasized the need for measures that will benefit both farmers and landowners (chiefs) so that chiefs can release lands for farming. This, he believes, will help to increase food production and ensure that the country is food secure.
The Asantehene also emphasized the importance of irrigation in sustaining farming, regardless of the availability of water. He encouraged the Minister of Agriculture to promote irrigation practices that will enable farmers to farm throughout the year, without relying on rainfall.
This, he believes, will help to increase food production and ensure that the country is food secure.
The Asantehene also called for the revival of the Operation Feed Yourself agenda, which was initiated by former Head of State, General Acheampong.
He believes that this initiative will help to promote agriculture and increase food production in the country. By reviving this initiative, the country can reduce its reliance on imported food items and create jobs for the youth.
The Asantehene also emphasized the need to support small-scale farmers, who are the backbone of Ghana’s agriculture sector. He believes that by supporting these farmers, the country can increase its food production and ensure that the country is food secure. The government, he noted, should provide support to small-scale farmers in the form of inputs, credit, and extension services.
The Asantehene’s emphasis on the importance of agriculture in Ghana’s development is a timely reminder of the sector’s critical role in the country’s growth and prosperity. By making agriculture more lucrative for the youth, addressing the challenge of land availability, encouraging irrigation, reviving the Operation Feed Yourself agenda, and supporting small-scale farmers, the country can increase its food production and reduce its reliance on imports. The government, farmers, and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that agriculture is given the attention it deserves, and that the sector is developed to its full potential.
Source :Ayisah Foster||Punch newspaper
