PFAG Urges Government to Prioritize Agriculture to Slash $2 Billion Food Import Bill

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is pushing for the prioritization of agriculture policies to reduce the country’s $2 billion annual food import bill.

The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is urging the government to prioritize agriculture in order to tackle the country’s significant food import bill, which amounts to $2 billion annually. The Association believes that Ghana has the ability to produce these food items domestically, which would reduce the need for imports and boost the local economy. However, they argue that in order to achieve this, there is a need for substantial investment and policy support in key areas of agriculture.

One of the key issues raised by the PFAG is the need for mechanized farming. Currently, much of Ghana’s farming is done through traditional, manual methods, which are less efficient and require more labor. By investing in modern, mechanized farming techniques, farmers can increase production and reduce labor costs.

Another important area of focus is transitioning from rain-fed agriculture to all-year-round farming. Many farmers in Ghana rely heavily on rainfall to water their crops, which can be unpredictable and inconsistent, especially during dry seasons. By supporting farmers in implementing irrigation systems or more resilient farming practices, the country could reduce the risk of crop failures and ensure a more consistent food supply.

The PFAG is calling for subsidies on agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. These inputs are currently expensive, and the high cost of these essential items increases the overall cost of food production. If the government can step in and provide subsidies or financial assistance to reduce the cost of these inputs, it would make farming more affordable for small-scale farmers and allow them to produce food at a lower cost. This, in turn, would help make food more affordable for consumers.

Bismark Nortey, the Acting Executive Director of PFAG, highlighted these issues emphasizing that one of the main reasons for the high cost of food in Ghana is the amount of money spent on production. He pointed out that by addressing the cost of inputs and agricultural services, food prices could be lowered, leading to higher productivity and greater food security in the country.

PFAG is advocating for the government to invest in the agricultural sector by modernizing farming techniques, supporting year-round farming, and providing subsidies to reduce input costs. With these policy changes, Ghana could reduce its reliance on food imports and ensure greater food self-sufficiency for its growing population.