Let’s embrace technology in farming – Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has charged the Akufo-Addo government to spearhead avenues that will boost the adoption of modern farming technologies to expand the agriculture sector.

Mr Rawlings, who made the call in a press release to mark the 35th National Farmers Day celebration, also appealed to lenders to make loans and other support systems available to farmers to boost the sector.

“As we celebrate this special occasion and urge the government not only to reward farmers but create opportunities for the embracement of modern farming technologies, I urge corporates and financial institutions to also support the farming community with incentives that will encourage interest from, especially the youth,” Mr Rawlings noted.

He acknowledged the challenges of farmers across the country and highlighted that their “sacrifices and toil throughout the decades to put food on our table cannot be understated”.

“Your daily toil, under very trying conditions, provides our national food requirements, raw material for our industry and export commodities for the needed foreign exchange receipts,” he added.

He also commended efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and encouraged the consumption of locally produced items.

“It is quite encouraging to note that the Ministry of Agriculture, led by its sector Minister, is working seriously to ensure self-sufficiency in food production as well as the promotion of export cash crops. More commendable is the sustained effort to ensure self-reliance in the production of quality rice locally. The sector ministry and rice farmers deserve commendation for their efforts at ensuring that we consume local rice.

“It is our responsibility, as Ghanaians, to support this effort by committing to consuming locally-produced rice, and by so doing, helping to improve the quality of what is produced, as increased income for farmers means increased investments in improved yields and packaging,” he added.