Budget outlook for Food and agriculture

Dr Duffuor explained that the National Buffer Stock Company (NBSC) off-loaded over 10,000 metric tonnes of maize to the market to stabilize maize prices; whilst a total of GH¢23.950 million was utilized under the Fertilizer Subsidy Programme to supply 55,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers to farmers.

He said 315 hectares of irrigated land was rehabilitated for tomato cultivation to feed the Northern Star Tomato Factory at Pwalugu, whilst under the Phase II of the rehabilitation and extension works at the Tono Irrigation Project, two reservoirs, and pump houses were completed with the provision of electricity and water pumps.

In addition, 52 per cent of rehabilitation works on flood damaged dams in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions were completed; whilst two harbours would be constructed at Elmina and James Town and 12 landing sites at Axim, Dixcove, Moree, Fete, Mumford, Winneba, Senya Breku, Teshie, Ada, Keta, Abotoase and Dzemeni.

He said Government would expand the Agriculture Subsidy Programme to include liquid fertilizers (bio-fertilizer) and improved seeds, and also distribute 165 metric tonnes of chemical fertilizer and 800,000 litres of liquid fertilizer to farmers in 2012.

The Finance Minister said the National Food Buffer Stock Company would acquire another rice mill with a capacity of about 8.5 metric tonnes per hour to be located in the Upper East Region.

Construction of the first phase of the Accra Plains Irrigation Project, covering an area of about 5,000ha, and the irrigation dam at Mprumem would be commenced.

In collaboration with the University of Cape Coast, Government would establish a Fisheries College at Anomabu in the Central Region and establish a fish processing plant at Elmina.