The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong has announced some interventions to support farmers and stabilize the country’s food system after the recent dry spell.
Key among the interventions include the distribution of 118,000 metric tons of fertilizers and over 5,000 metric tons of seeds to smallholder farmers across the country.
He mentioned that his outfit will begin the distribution of food grants to over 800,000 farmers in the eight most affected regions from October 10.
Additionally, poultry farmers, through their various farmer associations will receive support in the form of feed and vaccines, he said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, October 2.
The Minister revealed that all input and grant distributions will be tracked on the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP) to ensure transparency.
Ghana’s agricultural sector was on the brink of a crisis as severe drought conditions endangered the livelihoods of over 928,000 farmers and jeopardize the nation’s food security.
In response, the government launched an emergency relief package that includes a temporary ban on grain exports, cash transfers to affected farmers, and a massive grain import initiative aimed at averting a potential catastrophe.
The ongoing dry spell had devastated key agricultural regions across Ghana, with preliminary reports indicating that nearly half of the 1.8 million hectares of farmland are already impacted. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture estimated a staggering GHS 3.5 billion loss in farmer investments, with potential revenue losses reaching GHS 10.4 billion.
Earlier, the Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam disclosed that it would cost the government some $500 million to mitigate the food crisis that may result from the prevailing drought in northern Ghana.
He announced that so far, government had secured $160 million to support farmers and ensure food security in the country.
To prevent further damage, the government enacted a temporary ban on the export of grains such as maize, rice, and soybean, ensuring that these critical crops remain available in the domestic market. “This ban is essential to safeguard our food supply and protect the interests of our farmers,” stated the Minister of Agriculture. “We must prioritize domestic needs during this crisis.”
Additionally, the government is initiating a program to mop up existing stocks from farmers to mitigate any adverse effects of this ban. Recognizing the urgent need to stabilize the food supply, the government plans to tap into the ECOWAS Grain Reserve and collaborate with the private sector to import up to 300,000 metric tons of maize and 150,000 metric tons of rice. “We are working tirelessly to secure these imports and support our vulnerable farmers who have lost their crops,” the Minister emphasized.
Furthermore, 26,000 metric tons of poultry feed will be imported to support the poultry industry, which is also facing threats from the drought. For the affected farmers, the government will provide cash transfers amounting to GHS 1,000 per hectare, targeting the most vulnerable among the 435,872 confirmed affected farmers. “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary financial assistance during this difficult time,” the Minister added.
