Agricultural sector to provide 750,000 jobs to unemployed Ghanaians - Ken Ofori-Atta declares

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta says government intends to create about 750,000 direct and indirect jobs through an initiative he describes as “planting for food and jobs campaign” under the agricultural sector.
Delivering the 2017 budget statement in Parliament on Thursday, 3^rd March 2017, Mr. Ofori-Atta said the “initiative is expected to increase the production of maize by 30 percent from current production levels, rise by 49 percent, soybean by 25 percent and sorghum by 28 percent. This will create 750,000 jobs in both direct and indirect employment.”
According to him the “Planting for food and jobs campaign” will be anchored  on five pillars namely: Provision of improved seeds; supply of fertilizers; provision of dedicated extension services; marketing and E-Agriculture and Monitoring.”
In addition, the Ministry intends to “continue the Fertilizer Subsidy Programme to help increase the productivity of farmers. To this effect, we intend to distribute nationwide, an expected 180 thousand metric tons of subsidized fertilizers.”
“Government recognizes agriculture as the main anchor of the country’s economy.” He says. He, however, bemoans the steady decline in the sector and the extent to which production levels have fallen consistently over the years.
In order to improve productivity and achieve food security and profitability for farmers, the government intends to modernize the agricultural sector in the medium term.
Under Fisheries, the Minister says “to modernize and transform the industry, the Ministry will complete phase one of the Anomabo Fisheries College to enhance research and knowledge-base in fisheries technology for all operators. It will also collaborate with relevant institutions and the private sector to develop modern landing sites and storage facilities at James Town, Cape Coast, Axim and Mumford.”
By:
Analimbey, Chris
analimbeychris@gmail.com