The government of Ghana has announced plans to distribute food grants to over 800,000 farmers affected by the recent dry spell that hit the northern and middle belt of the country. This initiative aims to alleviate the hardships faced by farmers due to the severe weather conditions.
According to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, the distribution of food grants will commence on October 10, 2024. This forms part of the government’s existing interventions to curb the impact on affected farmers.
Each farmer will receive a 25kg bag of rice and 100kg of maize. This package is designed to provide temporary relief to farmers who have lost crops or livestock due to the dry spell.
The affected regions include eight key agricultural zones in the northern and middle belt. These regions have been hardest hit by the dry spell, resulting in significant crop losses and economic hardship for farmers.
Bryan Acheampong, also the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers. “We understand the challenges faced by our farmers, and we are dedicated to providing relief and support during this difficult time.”
The food grant distribution is expected to benefit over 800,000 farmers. This initiative demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture.
In addition to the food grants, the government is setting up an online grains market. This platform will enable the public to access grains, including maize and rice, at affordable prices starting from October 10.
The online grains market aims to bring relief to the general population affected by the dry spell. By providing affordable grains, the government hopes to stabilize food prices and ensure food security.
The Minister urged farmers to take advantage of the relief package. “We encourage all eligible farmers to register and receive their food grants. This is a critical step towards recovery and rebuilding.”
The government’s relief package demonstrates its commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector. By providing timely intervention, the government hopes to mitigate the effects of the dry spell and ensure a resilient agricultural industry.
