The government has announced the launch of a nationwide school farm programme aimed at promoting agricultural education, boosting food production, and strengthening food security.
Under the initiative, students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions will actively engage in crop cultivation and livestock rearing, producing items such as vegetables, poultry, and other food products for their own consumption. A national agricultural coordinator has been appointed to oversee the effective implementation of the programme across the country.
The initiative is expected to equip students with practical farming skills while promoting self-sufficiency and reducing the cost of food for academic institutions.
President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the national Farmers’ Day celebration held today, Friday, December 5, in Ho, said the programme forms part of broader efforts to reduce Ghana’s growing food import bill through increased local production.
As part of the strategy, the government will prioritise the procurement of food items such as rice, maize, and poultry from local farmers for the School Feeding Programme. This move is expected to provide a ready market for farmers while ensuring fresh, locally produced food for school children.
The President also disclosed that government is collaborating with universities and research institutions to develop improved seed varieties, including weevil-resistant cowpeas, to enhance yields and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, the combined measures are aimed at increasing food production, improving preservation methods, strengthening agricultural education, and ultimately reducing Ghana’s reliance on imported food.
