Ellembelle DCE urges farmers to take advantage of PFJ program

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Hon. Kwasi Bonzo popularly known as Ellembelle David has urged farmers in the area to take advantage of the Planting for Food and Jobs program to improve their living conditions.

President Akufo-Addo last year launched this program to help farmers across the country with the aim to increase the country's food security.

Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb on Thursday, October 17, 2018, the DCE said the Planting for Foods and Jobs program is ongoing.

"As the backbone of the Ghanaian Economy and the main occupation for the people of this District, the Agriculture sector of the District is taking shape steadily through the programme", he revealed.

According to him, 2,000 bags of NPK fertilizer have been received so far in the District and a have sold out to farmers at a subsidized price of 68 Ghana Cedis.

He also said 12,500 layer birds have been supplied to 25 farmers with 500 birds each to boost their farming activities.

He added "5,000 layer birds breed for citizens of Ampain refugee camp, supervised by the Department of Agriculture".

The DCE told this reporter that so far 9,000 hybrid of coconut seedlings have been distributed for rehabilitation and revealed that these coconut seedlings only take three years to mature instead of 9 years.

"45 fish ponds of sizes 10m by 10m constructed and stocked with 1,000 fingerlings for 45 farmers", he stressed.

He stated that Livelihood Projects have been established at Sanzule in the District by ENI Gas and supervised by the Department of Agriculture.

He also stated that the District has received these vegetables; tomatoes 80 tins, cabbage 80 tins, lettuce 80 tins and cucumber 80 tins.

Hon. Bonzo revealed to this reporter that four cassava yield demonstration plots have been established and 93 hectares of maize farms sprayed to control Fall Army Worm.

He also revealed that the government has given a brand new Nissan 4*4 Pickup to the Agriculture Department to facilitate their activities and therefore expressed his happiness.

He, therefore pledged his total commitment to encourage every farmer in the District to take advantage of the Planting for Foods and Jobs program to improve their living conditions.

"The District through the Department of Agriculture would continue to encourage farmers to take advantage of this program for the benefit of us all", he said.

He also urged the youth in the area to involve themselves into farming and stop the act that would destroy their future.

He appeared to his people in the area to rally behind President Akufo-Addo and his appointees to develop this country and also asked them to pray for the strength of President Akufo-Addo.