Agric Minister Urges Ghanaians to Embrace Backyard Farming on World Food Day

Agric Minister Urges Ghanaians to Embrace Backyard Farming on World Food Day

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has addressed the media in commemoration of World Food Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighting Ghana’s commitment to ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Speaking to journalists, Hon. Opoku explained that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established 80 years ago, following the devastation of the World Wars, to eliminate hunger and starvation across the globe. He noted that Ghana was joining the rest of the world to celebrate both milestones — World Food Day and FAO’s 80th Anniversary — under the theme of unity, productivity, and sustainability.

According to the Minister, Ghana is richly blessed with fertile lands, abundant water bodies, and a vibrant youthful population capable of driving agricultural productivity. He emphasized that with unity and collaboration, the nation can achieve a more resilient farming system and ensure food sufficiency for all.

“God has blessed our country with everything we need — land, water, and energetic youth. All we need is unity to work together so that we can produce enough food for our people,” he stated.

Hon. Opoku encouraged every Ghanaian to participate in farming, particularly backyard gardening, to support the national drive for food self-sufficiency. He urged households to grow simple vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garden eggs to save money and reduce household food expenses.

He also called on schools  from primary to tertiary levels and institutions such as the Military, Prisons Service, and Fire Service to establish small farms within their compounds. According to him, such efforts will help prevent food shortages and build a culture of agricultural engagement across all sectors.

The Minister revealed that due to the government’s efforts and increased education on farming, local farmers have significantly expanded production. As a result, food availability has improved across the country.

He disclosed that the price of a bag of maize now sells for GH¢300, based on information from farmers. However, he has encouraged them to sell their produce to the National Buffer Stock Company, which offers a higher purchase price of GH¢450 per bag. Similarly, 50kg bags of rice and gari will be sold to the Buffer Stock at GH¢625 each.

Hon. Opoku also announced plans to establish cold storage facilities to preserve perishable crops like cassava and other foodstuffs to minimize post-harvest losses.

He further highlighted that President John Dramani Mahama is committed to supporting farmers who have achieved bumper harvests this season, noting that the government will provide the necessary assistance to ensure such farmers remain motivated and productive. “It is the will of President Mahama to support farmers who have produced beyond expectations. The government will continue to help them so they can remain happy and successful in their farming work,” he affirmed.