The government plans to dispatch 5,000 graduates from diverse agricultural and veterinary schools. They will assist farmers in increasing productivity. They will also help in adopting contemporary farming methods.
Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku discussed the government’s Feed Ghana program. The program aims to modernise agriculture. It connects research with practical farming.
In an interview with Citi Business News, the Minister announced plans to use extension officers. “We are deploying our extension officers, and as we mentioned last Saturday, we are bringing on board 5,000 graduates from agricultural and veterinary colleges—many of whom have been home since 2015 without employment. We want all of them to be part of the Feed Ghana initiative.”
He clarified that the graduates will be assigned to various farms nationwide to assist farmers in implementing modern, scientifically based agricultural techniques.
“We want to close the gap between agricultural research and the actual practices on farms. These graduates will play a critical role in introducing modern farming techniques to local farmers,” he further emphasised.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that 300 tonnes of rice seeds have been donated to Ghana by the Korean government. These seeds will be distributed among farmers to enhance the country’s domestic rice production.
He said, “We are distributing high-quality rice and maise seeds that have been approved as best suited for our soil. The donation of 300 tonnes of rice seeds comes from KOPIA—a Korean agricultural research agency based in Ghana. Distribution has started in the southern sector, where the farming season is currently underway. We’re also preparing to supply the northern regions when the season begins in May.”
