The government’s flagship Planting for Food and Jobs Programme (PFJ) is under review, marking the onset of phase two involving the private sector.
Consequently, government subsidies on fertilizer and other farming inputs have been temporarily halted, according to Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister.
Despite this, a substantial quantity of fertilizers and farming inputs has been introduced into the region and is readily available in the open market this year for farmers’ access.
In phase two of the PFJ programme, the government‘s focus, as highlighted by Dr. Bin Salih, will be on the private sector to distribute subsidized farm inputs.
Dr. Bin Salih shared this information during a gathering of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council in Wa, attended by municipal and district chief executives, coordinators, presiding members, department heads, institutions, and agencies.
The meeting centered on crucial topics, notably government interventions and their effects on the populace’s welfare.
He noted that the Regional Directorate of the Department of Food and Agriculture revealed that adverse rainfall patterns had curtailed the planting window for many farmers who were cultivating extensive farmlands.
As a result, the cultivated land area for this year has diminished. However, close observation of crop performance assures food security.
Over the past four years, a significant number of agriculture extension officers have been recruited to enhance the department’s staffing situation.
These officers have been deployed to provide advisory services to every farmer in the fields.
According to Article 255 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Regional Coordinating Council is mandated to convene at least twice a year, fostering idea exchange, issue advice, and make appropriate decisions for the people’s benefit.
During the meeting, various assemblies presented reports concerning infrastructural development, security, and government interventions’ social and economic impact on community living conditions.