Gov't to introduce policy to boost oil palm production as part of 'Feed Ghana programme'

The government has announced a National Oil Palm industry policy. This is part of the new 'Feed Ghana Programme.'

The initiative aims to reduce food and chicken imports. It will support schools, institutions, and households in farming. The focus will be on increasing oil palm production.

To boost the palm oil sector, the government is collaborating with the Tree Crop Development Authority. This authority promotes six strategic crops: oil palm, cashew, mango, coconut, shea, and rubber. Oil palm will be the main focus due to its potential.

At the launch of the Feed Ghana Programme, President Mahama spoke about this policy. He emphasized unlocking oil palm's full potential, often called "brown gold."

He stated that with proper support, Ghana can thrive in international markets. The global palm oil market could reach $65 billion by 2027. This makes it vital for Ghana’s economic growth.

Currently, Ghana produces 300,000 metric tons of oil palm each year. However, demand is at 450,000 metric tons. This creates a deficit of 150,000 metric tons.

The new policy will introduce incentives across the oil palm value chain. These incentives will cover cultivation to processing and export. The goal is to increase local production and competitiveness globally.

President Mahama also discussed the country's food import bill of $2 billion annually. He expressed shame over this situation and urged local production to reduce reliance on imports.

Many agro-industries are currently underperforming in capacity. Institutional farming will be a key focus of the Feed Ghana Programme. All senior high schools with land will receive support for crop and livestock farming.

Students will be encouraged to grow vegetables and participate in backyard gardening. “Everyone should grow tomatoes or peppers near their homes,” he said.

He recalled past successes like Operation Feed Yourself as inspiration for this initiative.

The Feed Ghana Programme includes other projects too: Grains and Legumes Development Project, Vegetable Development Project, Livestock Development Project, and Poultry Industry Revitalisation.

President Mahama highlighted that revitalising poultry is crucial since Ghana imports nearly $400 million worth of chicken yearly. “This we all must be ashamed of,” he added.

The National Palm Oil Industry Policy aims to reduce food import dependency while improving domestic production. By focusing on strategic crops like oil palm, the government seeks to enhance agricultural output and create jobs.

He reiterated that this policy would provide incentives throughout the value chain from cultivation to export. This approach enables Ghana to harness its vast potential in the oil palm industry both locally and internationally.