$400m Annual Importation Of Chicken Is A Shame -Mahama

President Mahama visited Techiman yesterday. He stated that Ghana imports nearly $400 million worth of chicken each year. This, he said, should be a source of shame for Ghanaians. He announced plans to support 54 individuals to produce four million birds. This would equal about 10,000 metric tons of chicken.

The President emphasized his government's commitment to livestock development. This includes improving cattle production and small ruminants like goats and sheep. He also mentioned enhancing access to high-quality breeds.

Mahama made these remarks while launching the Feed Ghana Programme in Techiman, Bono East Region. The programme will focus on agro production enclaves and infrastructure improvements. This includes irrigation systems, better roads, power supply, and warehousing facilities.

These efforts aim to attract private investment in agriculture. The President believes the programme will boost agricultural production and processing. He presented maize seeds, fertilizers, a Kia truck, and tractors to various institutions.

These institutions include the Ghana Prisons Service and National Service Authority. They will help implement the Feed Ghana Programme. Mahama called for unity in transforming agriculture for national growth.

He described the initiative as proactive rather than just a policy. While acknowledging challenges in the sector, he remains optimistic about success. He urged farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and partners to collaborate for positive outcomes.

The programme aims to increase food production through strategic measures. It promotes modern farming techniques and improves infrastructure across Ghana. Key interventions include establishing farmers’ service centres nationwide.

These centres will offer services like mechanization and quality inputs for farmers. They will also provide financial support and market access opportunities. Additionally, Mahama announced plans for farm banks or land banks in irrigable zones.

This initiative aims to support young agri-entrepreneurs and boost food production nationally. The second component focuses on increasing maize, rice, soya beans, and sorghum production for consumption and export.

The third component is the vegetable development project called ‘Yeredua’. It aims to reduce imports by promoting local vegetable cultivation. Mahama stressed investing in controlled environmental farming methods like greenhouse technologies.

He also encouraged urban agriculture initiatives such as backyard gardening in schools. The fourth component promotes institutional farming for households and communities growing vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

Support will extend to Senior High Schools for crop production and livestock farming activities as well. Finally, the fifth component revitalizes the poultry industry through the “NkokoNketenkete” project.