Agric Ministry Expands Farmer Support In Ashanti Region

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has announced plans to expand support for farmers in the Ashanti Region to increase food production, improve food security and create jobs for young people in the agriculture sector.

According to GBC Ghana Online which reported on October 25, the Ministry is distributing improved seeds, fertilizers and extension services to smallholder farmers to help boost yields during the current farming season and upcoming seasons.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader agriculture for transformation agenda aimed at modernizing agriculture, improving productivity and making farming more attractive and profitable for young people and women.

According to CitiNewsroom which reported on October 24, officials said the support program will target maize, rice, soybean and vegetable farmers who play critical roles in feeding the population and supplying raw materials for agro-processing and food industries.

Farmers in Ejura, Mampong, Offinso and other major farming communities in the Ashanti Region have already started receiving inputs and training on best agronomic practices, climate smart farming and soil management.

According to Graphic Online which reported on October 24, the Ministry is also working to improve access to markets for farmers by linking them with aggregators, processors, school feeding caterers and buyers to reduce post harvest losses and improve incomes for farming households.

Extension officers have been deployed to provide technical advice on land preparation, planting, pest control, fertilizer application and harvesting to ensure that farmers achieve better productivity and maintain soil fertility.

According to GhanaWeb which reported on October 24, farmers have welcomed the support, saying it will help reduce cost of production and increase their earnings. They called for timely distribution of inputs, access to affordable credit and improved feeder roads to transport produce to markets.

The Ministry said it is also promoting irrigation farming, mechanization services and storage facilities to enable year-round cultivation and to reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns that affect yields and food supply.

Development partners including international agencies are supporting the program with funding and technical expertise to enhance its impact and sustainability across regions and to promote value addition.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture says it remains committed to achieving food self-sufficiency, reducing food imports and creating jobs through agriculture value chain development and export promotion.

The expansion of farmer support in Ashanti Region is expected to contribute to lower food prices, improved livelihoods for rural households and stronger contribution of agriculture to Ghana’s economy.

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