The government has so far distributed 1.7 million chicken birds to farmers across the country through the Feed Ghana Programme, also known as “Nkoko Nkitsinkitsi.”
This was announced on the floor of Parliament on Thursday by Mr John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Mr. Dumelo previously revealed that 45 licensed buying companies (LBCs) were registered by the government through the Ghana Buffer Stock Company to buy grains directly from farmers at minimum prices that are guaranteed.
The project aims to protect farmers’ earnings while resolving the ongoing surplus of grains, especially rice, maize, and soy.
Mr. Dumelo stated that the government planned GHS100 million in November 2025 and an additional GHS200 million in 2026 to buy excess grains in response to an urgent question from Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North.
The question focused on how the government would handle grain surpluses, which frequently result in market instability and post-harvest losses.
In order to protect farmers from market shocks, the money will be used to buy, process, and store crops.
He stated that regardless of changes in the market, farmers would be fairly compensated for their produce thanks to the guaranteed minimum price plan.
He pointed out that this would boost productivity and improve food security nationwide.
The Deputy Minister also disclosed that the government was renovating food storage facilities across the country in collaboration with the World Bank Group.
It is anticipated that the partnership will increase storage capacity, decrease waste, and maintain a steady supply of grain all year round.
Mr. Dumelo stressed that the renovated warehouses will act as a strategic reserve, allowing the nation to control excess output and avoid abrupt price declines that hurt farmers.
Additionally, he said, the program would improve Ghana’s readiness for food shortages.
He said that the government’s action was a component of a larger goal for agricultural modernisation that aims to incorporate farmers into organised markets.
The initiative seeks to enhance openness in grain trading and remove exploitative intermediaries by connecting producers directly with registered purchasers.
The urgent questioner, Mr. Agbana, praised the measures but asked the administration to make sure they were implemented on time. He emphasised that poor storage facilities and erratic market circumstances had long caused losses for farmers in grain-producing areas.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is dedicated to implementing the initiative quickly, the Deputy Minister told Parliament.
He mentioned that in order to operationalise the purchasing plan, the Ghana Buffer Stock Company had already started interacting with the registered LBCs.
Mr. Dumelo came to the conclusion that the program would not only safeguard farmers but also improve national food security, stabilise grain prices, and lessen Ghana’s reliance on imports.
He restated the government’s commitment to helping farmers, who are essential to rural development and economic expansion.
Source: newsthemegh.com