The Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast, Professor Henry de-Graft Acquah has stressed the need for farmers to be continually appreciated for their efforts in the provision of food for all.
He said especially during the COVID-19 era and the toll it had on businesses in the country and the relentless efforts by farmers to provide food only suggest that farmers need to be appreciated.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the Maiden Farmers’ Market in the Central Region which was in commemoration of the 2021 World Food Day on Saturday, Professor Henry de-Graft Acquah noted that “…agriculture provides an opportunity for us to reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition…”
To him, prior focus given to developing agriculture and transforming agriculture into that which will be able to feed the communities will help ensure that, Sustainable Development Goal 2 which aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030 is achieved.
The World Food Day is observed annually on the 16th of October to create global awareness and call for a collaborative effort to eliminate hunger and provide nutritious meals for everyone.
The day which is a United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) project was observed under the theme: “Our actions are our future”.
Central Regional Director of Agriculture, Dr. Peter Omega who spoke on the theme urged the youth who are the future generation to take up agriculture as a business in other to help promote Ghana’s food security.
He encouraged the young ones to identify a point along the value chain of agriculture where they can fit themselves.
“If it’s not into production they can go into agriculture in good sale. They can also look at the processing and packaging labeling. The action should be there so that in future we can have more food.” He said.
The School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast, in collaboration with the Central Regional Apex Farmers Association (CRAFA) and the Central Regional Department of Agriculture (RADU), organized the Maiden Farmers’ Market in the Central Region to help Farmers get value from their farm produce even as consumers buy from them directly without middlemen.
Some farmers and consumers who shared their impression about the event with ATLFMNEWS commended the organizers for the initiative and prayed a permanent Farmers’ Market be installed in the region.
One consumer said “I look forward to having more of these events so that we easily come here and get the stuff we need.
Another said, “I wish they do it from time to time.”
According to the Head of Department for Agricultural Economics and Extension at the University of Cape Coast, Professor Ernest Laryea Okorley, the initiative is very relevant because it contributes to helping solve the challenge farmers have in finding markets for their farm produce.
Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
