By Robert Techie Menson
Amasu(Bono) Dec. 9, GNA- Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboah, the Bono Regional Minister, has stated that the re-introduction of school farms is a deliberate effort to inculcate in the youth a passion for farming and change the misconception about agriculture.
He said this at the regional commemoration of the Municipal Farmers’ Day held at Amasu in the Dormaa Central Municipality in the Bono Region.
According to Mr. Akwaboah, the youth in the region are responding positively to the call to engage in agriculture, and the Mahama-led government has re-introduced school farms at all levels of education to whip up interest and enthusiasm among the youth to take part in agriculture.
A total of 42 educational institutions across the region are involved in the programme, including two colleges of education, 21 senior high schools, three vocational technical establishments, eight junior high schools, and seven basic schools.
Each educational institution will be provided with inputs to cultivate maize, vegetables, and livestock for their own consumption, he said, adding that fertilizers had been received for distribution to these schools for the next farming season.
Mr. Akwaboah observed that it was the first time the government had identified institutions in agriculture for awards to motivate them to continue in their commendable efforts and encourage others to follow.
He said government had established farmer service centres for extension service delivery, with three of the 50 piloted service centres nationwide located in the Bono Region, specifically at Wenchi, Sampa, and Wamfie to provide farmers with access to extension services, receive supplies of inputs and support.
Mr. Akwaboah emphasized that efforts to develop the agriculture sector would not yield the desired impact in nation-building and socio-economic development if practical and actionable steps were not taken.
He stressed the need to secure the future by recommitting to eating what we produce, saying promoting and prioritizing local consumption of locally grown foods, strengthening value chains, stimulating production and supporting the cedi.
The Minister urged farmers to embrace modern technology such as using drones, digital extension platforms, and climate-smart practices to increase production to meet local consumption and for export, noting that such practices were no longer optional but essential for sustaining productivity.
Mr. Akwaboah stated that the youth in agriculture agenda must be pursued seriously for agriculture to be seen as a profitable business.
He stated that government was committed to supporting young farmers through training, access to land, mechanization, and agribusiness financing.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships and collaborations between government, private investors, farmer groups, traditional authorities, and development partners to scale up innovation and investment in agriculture for the holistic development of the sector.
He urged farmers who could not received awards to work hard and appealed to the awardees to let the recognition motivate them to work efficiently to win national and regional awards.
The event was attended by stakeholders, including farmers, traditional leaders, and government officials, recognizing the hard work and dedication of farmers in the region.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh/Christian Akorlie