Kufuor outdoors 400 tractors for farmers

Accra, Nov. 30 GNA - President Kufuor has outdoored 400 tractors bought at a total cost of 64 billion cedis for distribution to farmers. The tractors, which were assembled locally, would be sold to farmers on hire purchase basis with a re-payment schedule spread for a period of three years so as not to overburden them financially. Some would also be used to establish mechanisation centres where they would be rented to those who could not buy to prepare they lands. President Kufuor said the decision was in keeping with the Government's vision of modernising agriculture to move Ghana into an era of food self-sufficiency.

He said through widespread use of machinery and applied science, there was no way there would not be significant boost to food production and at a cheaper cost to make life more comfortable for the people. President Kufuor said they were determined to take drudgery out of farming and make it more attractive to the youth. He said by moving away from the "hoe and cutlass", the youth would be motivated to stay on the land, till the land and enjoy being on the land.

President Kufuor said he was happy that the tractors were assembled in Ghana and the technology transfer would make it easier to maintain them.

Mr Ernest Debrah, Minister of Food and Agriculture, said the Government's vision of Ghana becoming a leading agro-industrial country was on course.

He said this would be achieved through mechanisation, irrigation and effective research development.

He promised that the country would see tremendous revolution of the agricultural sector, come next year.

Last year, the Government distributed 200 tractors to farmers.