Agriculture Minister Calls for Poultry Revolution to Save $2 Billion

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has sounded the alarm over Ghana’s staggering annual expenditure of over $2 billion on imported chicken. According to Minister Opoku, this trend is not only economically unsustainable but also a significant setback to the nation’s development.

Minister Opoku revealed that Ghana imports over 95% of its poultry needs, a dependency that must be urgently reversed. He emphasized the need to revamp local poultry farming as a strategic step toward reducing food imports, saving foreign exchange, and promoting self-sufficiency.

To promote agricultural interest among the youth, Minister Opoku announced a nationwide initiative to encourage farming in schools. The initiative aims to:

– *Cultivate the next generation of farmers*: By introducing agricultural activities in schools and recognizing and rewarding schools that excel in agriculture.

– *Change mindsets*: By promoting farming as a noble and profitable venture.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the “Nkoko Nketenkete” project, a flagship initiative aimed at significantly boosting local poultry production. The project is expected to:

– *Provide critical support to farmers*: By providing resources and expertise to local poultry farmers.

– *Create thousands of jobs*: By stimulating the growth of the poultry industry.

– *Drastically cut down on poultry imports*: By increasing local production and reducing reliance on imported chicken.

Minister Opoku also visited A2 Agro Allied, a local firm that produces poultry feed. The company has pledged to partner with Ghanaian farmers to grow key feed ingredients such as maize and soybeans. This collaboration is expected to:

– *Build local capacity*: By promoting the growth of key feed ingredients locally.

– *Reduce dependence on imports*: By increasing the use of locally produced feed ingredients.

All these efforts fall under the broader “Feed Ghana Programme,” a comprehensive initiative designed to transform the nation’s agricultural sector. The program focuses on:

Strengthening food systems*: By promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving food production.

Increasing crop and livestock production*: By providing resources and expertise to farmers.

Establishing farmers’ service centers*: By providing support services to farmers.

Integrating technology into farming practices: By promoting the use of technology to improve agricultural productivity.

Minister Opoku’s call to action underscores the need for collective national effort to secure Ghana’s food future and strengthen its economic resilience. With the full implementation of these programs, the government aims to position agriculture as a central pillar of Ghana’s economy, capable of generating jobs, reducing imports, and ensuring national food security.