Government committed to ensuring food sufficiency

Mr Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has said government is determined to support farmers with improved farming technologies for increased productivity. He said everything would be done to aid them to reduce post-harvest losses, promote food processing and access to high-yielding crop varieties. This, he noted, was the way to achieve national food sufficiency and security. Mr Humado, who was inaugurating the Conference of District Directors of Agriculture (CODDA) in Kumasi, said given the significant contribution of agriculture to the country�s economy, the sector would continue to receive the needed attention. The new body would among other things articulate the views and opinions of the district directors on matters relating to policy, implementation and general administration of agriculture. In so doing, it would put at the disposal of the district assemblies, the technical expertise of members to enhance agricultural growth. It would also protect the interest and welfare of the members as well as establish relations with other bodies sharing similar aspirations. Mr Humado advised the directors to adhere to the constitution of their association and work hard to achieve the set objectives. Dr Pascal Atengdem, an Agricultural Scientist, reminded farmers to embrace new farming methods to boost crop yield and returns. Mr Oduro Ameyaw is President of the Conference with Mr Kwamina Arkoful, as his Vice. Other executive members are Mr Felix Kenya, Secretary, Mr Patrick Amon, Organizing Secretary, and Dr Savior Denueme, Financial Secretary. All the executives would serve for two years.