Government supports seed growers in the North

Dungu (N/R), Oct. 17, GNA - The Government has supported seed growers in the Northern, Upper East and West Regions with 4.4 billion cedis loan facility to produce adequate grains next year to ensure food security in the regions.

The revolving loan facility, would enable the farmers produce about 1,025 hectares of certified maize, rice, groundnuts and cowpea. Mr. Sylvester Adongo, Northern Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture announced this at the launching of the Northern Regional "World Food Day" celebration at Dungu, a suburb of Tamale, on Monday.

The theme for the celebration is: "Agriculture and Intercultural Dialogue, Its Our Heritage."

Mr. Adongo said the Government had plans to step up the production of staple food grains in the country over the next three years to ensure food security.

The Regional Director advised community leaders to refrain from cultural practices such as the annual "fire festival," which was a threat to hunger, environmental degradation and economic hardships to the people. Mr. Adongo appealed to individuals, institutions and organisations with the resources to invest in agriculture to help tackle poverty holistically in the country. Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, Northern Regional Minister said agriculture was the mainstay of the country's economy and therefore, needed infusion of adequate financial support. He urged the youth to undertake farming to reduce unemployment and pledged the Government's commitment to assist them to take up farming.