The Agric Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has paid a courtesy call on Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manyhia Palace.
The visit was to offer him the platform to explain to the respected King massive project the government of President Akufo-Addo, has taken in the agricultural sector of the economy.
The Minister started his submission by explaining into details the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative (PJF) which was been a standout policy under his leadership.
According to him, the PJF program which started in 2017 with about 20,000 farmers nationwide, has now blossomed and is attracting over 350,000 farmers from the Ashanti region alone currently.
He also touched on government’s decision to establish the Tree Crop Development Authority in Ashanti region noting that it is a big win for the region.
It would be recalled that the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the Tree Crops Development Authority, whose focus will be on the development of tree crops and the consequential benefits to be accrued to the country.
Inaugurating the Authority on Tuesday, 29th September 2020, at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo explained that Government’s strategy is to promote the development of tree crops, other than cocoa, with equal or even higher economic potential.
Dr. Afriyie Akoto continued that government is also assisting farmers with fertilizers and necessary farming tools to ensure nothing impedes their work.
On his part, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended government and the minister for enhancing the works of farmers through PJF.
He stated that Ghana’s economy depends on agriculture and advised the youth to take farming as serious business since it creates jobs.
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