Gov't rolls out programme to entice youth into agric

Government has rolled out a program aimed at enticing the youth into agriculture.

According to the Minister designate for Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the program is expected to revamp the sector, create jobs and ensure food security.

Speaking at the opening of the New Year School at Legon, Dr. Akoto emphasized that the initiative known as operation planting for food and job will depend heavily on ICT.

On his part, President Nana Akufo-Addo said his government places great premium on modernizing the sector with the introduction of ICT.

He said: “It is clear that ICT has brought to the fore new ways of doing things. Given the rapid penetration of ICT in our society today, particularly the use of mobile telephones, there is a realisation that ICT should be integrated to be effectively used as facilitating tools in agricultural development to boost its impact on the lives of our farmers.”

“ICT provides easier access to markets and information resources and I have no doubt that if this is mainstreamed into our agricultural practices, productivity within the sector will be increased to ensure that not only will farmers’ input increase but also the nation’s food security will be guaranteed,” he added.