Farmers Urged To Add Value To Products

A Minister of State in charge of Agriculture, Dr. Nurah Gyiele has called for a value addition on agricultural products in the country.

He said more jobs would be created if farmers cease exporting produce in raw forms, urging them to begin adding value to their products.

Delivering his speech at a press conference in Accra yesterday he said farmers earn less in agriculture due to how poor it’s being practiced, hence causing the youth to have low interest in farming.

“About 70% of Ghanaians are in the agricultural sector meanwhile the value addition to the agricultural sector is declining. If the value is declining and yet the percentage of people in agricultural remains the same then it means incomes and earning in the sector are falling. There is no doubt that the youth are running away from agriculture because what they earn is the lowest in the country compared to other countries,” he stressed.

He further mentioned, if farmers add value to their products, it will help raise general income, and add more values in agriculture.

Value Added Agriculture Expo

A first Value Added Agriculture Expo would be held in the country, on August 2 to 4, this year.

The event which will come off at the Providence Events and Recreation Center in Accra, would be West Africa’s largest exhibition promoting ‘farm to fork’ solutions in value added agriculture and aquaculture.

Briefing the media, Adele Eloff, Africa Manager of Reed Exhibitions, organizers of the expo, said “The event would cover the full value chain in agric business, showcasing input, livestock care solutions to farmers and agro processing best practices to increase the production ratio of outputs to input.”

“In addition to showcasing the latest solutions, the show will also offer a Live Demo Area and formal training workshops. Farmers alike will have an opportunity to learn new practical and business skills,” she said.

She further stated, the event will enable farmers discover new techniques for tractor handling, planting, soil testing, irrigation, crop protection and livestock care.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum/ [email protected]