Systems must work to make farmers wealthy- Fiifi Kwetey

quist

November 30, 2015 12:39 PM

This according to him will attract many more into the agriculture sector.

___4409453___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4409453___2015___11___30___13___064413c4-729b-41d2-9011-5e0b34638916

Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Fifi Kwetey has identified the need to ensure that farmers are financially successful and wealthy.

" We must end the era where our people engaged in fish farming, crop farming, horticulture, or animal farming who are not financially established. We realise that that situation must change."

Delivering the keynote address at this year's National Farmers Forum organised by the Agriculture Development Bank, the minister applauded this year's award winners for a great job done, even in the face of little encouragement in the Agricultural sector.

He again applauded them for leading the way in providing food for the nation.

The Forum, which is currently underway in Bolgatanga in the Upper East brings together all award winning farmers for the 2015 National Farmers Awards to deliberate on the way forward for the agricultural sector and how to surmount these challenges.

" Your job is a great one, and you have done it to the best of your ability. We realize that by the end of the decade, there will be about 50 million Ghanaians, and that will be more people to feed. So there's no better time to invest in Agriculture".

The Agric Minister then enumerated the challenges hindering the investment in Agriculture, Chief amongst which is the limited credit available for the Agric sector.

"Less than one percent of credit or bank credit is given to the Agricultural Sector. This is because banks are afraid to lend to the Agric Sector because of the risks involved."

That said, Fifi Kwetey mentioned the need for farmers to market their products properly. This he says will help endear the agricultural sector to the banks and other financial institutions.

Fifi Kwetey, however emphasized steps being taken by government to create a ready market for local Agricultural produce.

"Breweries are starting to off- take cassava for beer and other beverage production. we want to do same for cereals and other produce. "

"We are also working to facilitate provision of finance by making it possible for any private investor who has money to directly invest in agricultural businesses through the central bank" he added.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

quist