By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
Over 800,000 farmers in eight regions most affected by drought will begin to receive food grants from October 10, including rice and maize, to help them weather the crisis.
Each farmer will receive 25kg of rice and 100kg of maize as part of the government’s relief effort.
Fertilizer and seed distribution to aid crop replanting
The distribution of 118,000 metric tonnes of fertilizers and 5,133 metric tonnes of seeds is also underway.
This will enable farmers to replant their crops and boost production.
The government is also providing 20,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to commercial farmers, along with interest-free loans to help them expand their operations.
Minister of Agriculture’s Address on Drought Impact
The Minister of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Bryan Acheampong, announced this at a media briefing in Accra.
The dry spell, which lasted from mid-June to mid-August, significantly affected crop yields in the northern parts of Ghana, particularly in regions within the Savanna zone and the northern belt of the transition zone.
This development coincided with the crucial planting season for these regions, posing a serious threat to food production.
Comprehensive plan to mitigate drought effects
Mr. Acheampong outlined a comprehensive plan to address the devastating impact of the recent dry spell on Ghana’s agriculture sector and food security.
The minister assured the public that the government is taking decisive steps to mitigate the effects on farmers and ensure an adequate food supply for the country.
Launch of an online grains market
He also announced that the government is launching an online grains market to ensure that consumers have access to affordable food commodities.
He further indicated that all transactions related to input distribution and food grants will be conducted through the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP) to ensure transparency and accountability. He therefore asked all farmers in the affected regions to register on the platform in order to access the government’s aid.
Registration and support for farmers
He stated that farmers who do not yet have their Ghana cards can register in the meantime while they strive to acquire the card.
Long-Term solutions
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to long-term solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change and to ensure food security for the country.
He called for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure, grain storage facilities, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
Investment and grain storage expansion
“Despite the challenges we have faced, I am confident that through our collective efforts, we will be able to overcome the impact of the dry spell and ensure food security for our nation,” the minister stated.
Irrigation investment and grain storage targets
“The government has committed to an annual irrigation investment of GH₵3 billion over the next decade, alongside a goal of increasing grain storage capacity by 100,000 metric tons per year for the next 16 years,” he stressed.
Gratitude to stakeholders
Mr. Acheampong expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the World Bank, ECOWAS, and local partners, for their support in addressing the crisis.
