PFJ Programme to Reduce Food Deficits – TMA MCE

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PFJ Programme to Reduce Food Deficits - TMA MCE
A farmer

Mr Yohane Armah Ashitey, Metropolitan Chief Executive, explained that the programme was meant to overcome food deficits, reduce importation of basic food commodities and increase exports to the neighbouring countries.

“For years Ghanaís, food crops subsector was dominated by smallholder farmers whose cropping practices were characterized by inadequate use of productivity-enhancing technologies, low use of quality seeds and fertilizers and weak market linkages,” Ashitey stated at the Municipal Assemblyís observation of the 2021 Municipal Farmers Day.

The 2021 Farmers' Day Celebration is on the general theme: “: Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana.”

Mr Ashitey told the in an interview on the fringes of the event that in response to the challenges in the Agricultural sector, President Nana Addo Dankwa , through the , initiated the first flagship module “” (PFJ) campaign in 2017.

He said the initiative was to motivate farmers to adopt certified seeds and fertilizers and empower the beneficiaries with knowledge and skills to maximize the benefits of used subsidized inputs.

It was also to improve the marketability of the increased food produced under the campaign through strong linkages among producers, aggregators, public institutions, and private food and feed enterprises.

Mr Ashitey noted that the initiative also introduced the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for efficient targeting of beneficiaries of the campaign, and increased job opening opportunities as a result of higher levels of productivity.

Describing the initiative as proactive, Mr Ashitey lauded President for introducing the programme, which he said improved , created employment opportunities and reduced poverty.

Mr Ashitey said it has also ensured immediate and adequate availability of selected food commodities; and provided job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth in the agriculture and allied sectors.

It has also created general awareness for all formal workers and public institutions to farm and establish backyard gardens.

Meanwhile, Mr George Adams, a 52-year-old building contractor and civil engineer was adjudged the 2021 Tema Metropolitan Overall Best Farmer.

He currently has 700 broilers; 1,000 kuroilers; 170 ducks; 30 sheep; 30 domestic fowls; and 17 goats in addition to large acres of onion, okra, and maize.

For his prize, Mr Adams received a cheque of GHC15,000.00, motor tricycle, wellington boots, a wheelbarrow, wax cloth, fertilizer, assorted agrochemicals, cutlasses, and soap.

Other prizes he received included, a knapsack sprayer, protective clothing, assorted veterinary drugs, wire mesh, a rubber hose, a watering can, wheat bran and a radio set.

Eight other persons received awards for various categories during the ceremony, including Mr David Tetteh and Mr Ali Abubakar who emerged as first and second runners-up respectively.

Mr John Bimock Laari, Madam Baraka Dede Naawu, and Mr Joseph Arthur respectively received acknowledgement as the best crop farmer, livestock farmer, and best in-shore farmer.

The young entrepreneurial farmer went to Mr Iddrisu Mustapha, while Madam Cynthia Komley Adjetey and Madam Sussie Adwoa Asamoah respectively were adjudged best fish processor and best worker.

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