Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has announced that the government is in the final stages of implementing Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PfJ) initiative.
He made the remarks during the 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review.
“Mr Speaker, Planting for Food and Jobs has brought substantial improvements in Ghana’s agriculture sector. This has resulted in increased food security, employment along agricultural value chains, and accessibility of raw materials for developing industries. The programme has directly contributed to increased crop yields for major food staples such as maize, rice, and soya by 135 percent, 67 percent and 18 percent respectively within the period.
He further noted that the second phase comes with a focus on Storage and Distribution Infrastructure, Commodity Trading, etc.
“After a comprehensive review, the Government is finalising PfJ Phase II to ensure a more efficient and targeted support for the agricultural sector. The key elements of Phase II are Inputs Credit System, Storage and Distribution Infrastructure, Commodity Trading and Digitised Platform
“Planting for Food and Jobs” (PFJ) is an agricultural intervention program initiated by the Ghanaian government under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo. The program was launched in 2017 with the primary objective of increasing food production, ensuring food security, and creating employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
The Planting for Food and Jobs program targets smallholder farmers and seeks to address challenges such as low crop productivity, post-harvest losses, and limited access to improved farming inputs and technologies.
Through the program, the government aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports.
Earlier this month, President Akufo-Addo announced that the government is gearing up to advance its pioneering agriculture initiative, “Planting for Food and Jobs,” to the second phase.
He made this known during his address at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy.
In the upcoming phase of the program, there will be greater involvement from the private sector, with a specific focus on attracting more youth participation in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy, President Akufo-Addo emphasised Ghana’s successful attainment of food security through the program and stressed the importance of transitioning from import subsidies to an import credit scheme.
This transition is expected to drive greater investment and development in the agricultural value chain, ultimately boosting productivity and production in the sector.