Agric Minister launches University wing of Planting for Food and Jobs programme 

Minister for Food and Agriculture has tasked Ghanaian Universities to be in the forefront of producing improved seeds to help farmers increase their farm yields.

The Hon Minister noted that with the Universities producing enough improved seeds, the country will also save nearly 6 million dollars spent each year to import seeds.

Speaking at the University for Develpment Studies last Tuesday at Nyankpala, Tamale where he launched the participation of Universities in the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign.

Dr Owusu Afriyie pledged the support of his Ministry for the agricultural activities f the Universities. He noted, 'if we focus our resources on the universities, they will be able to produce our seed requirements.'

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Sobriet Ayam Teye had stated that the University had acquired 4000 acres of land at Sor near Damongo to cultivate maize, soybeans and groundnuts.

 He announced that 100 acres have been developed this year with the supply of subsidised seeds and fertiliser from the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign.

He pleaded with the Minister to provide them with tractors and accessories for ploghing and removal of tree stumps to enable them to fully utilise their vast land. 

Present at the launch were representatives of the Universities of Cape Coast and Science and Technology, Kumasi. 

Other public Universities which have submitted proposals to be supported under the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign are University of Education, Winneba, Uivetsty of Ghana, Legon and University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani.