The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has expressed strong support for President-elect John Dramani Mahama's proposal to rename the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to the Ministry of Food and Agribusiness. This initiative is part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s policies aimed at transforming agriculture into a more attractive and lucrative sector, particularly for the youth.
Mr. Wepia Addo Awal Adugwuala, President of PFAG, emphasized the importance of perceiving agriculture as a business rather than merely a traditional way of life. He stated, "This is the way to go. We must begin to look at agriculture as a business and not a way of life."
The proposed renaming is expected to channel critical resources into various aspects of the agricultural sector, including irrigation, mechanization, storage, processing, and marketing. Mr. Adugwuala believes that such investments will boost agro-processing, add value to agricultural products, and create jobs for the youth.
In addition to supporting the renaming, PFAG has called on the government to introduce subsidies and ensure their availability to farmers. Mr. Adugwuala noted that many developed countries have subsidized agriculture and urged Ghana to adopt similar measures, particularly for smallholder farmers, to reduce production costs and enhance productivity.
Furthermore, PFAG advocates for tax exemptions on agricultural inputs to make them more affordable. Such measures would enable farmers to produce more food, contributing to national food security and economic growth.
The renaming of the ministry is seen as a strategic move to rebrand agriculture in Ghana, making it more appealing to the younger generation. By emphasizing agribusiness, the government aims to shift perceptions of agriculture from subsistence farming to a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
This initiative aligns with global trends where agriculture is increasingly integrated with business principles to enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. By adopting such an approach, Ghana seeks to modernize its agricultural sector, improve livelihoods, and drive economic development.
In conclusion, PFAG's endorsement of the proposed renaming reflects a broader consensus on the need to transform Ghana's agricultural sector. The emphasis on agribusiness, coupled with supportive policies such as subsidies and tax exemptions, is expected to create a more conducive environment for farmers, attract youth participation, and contribute to the nation's economic prosperity.
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