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Veep opens week-long agric show in Ho

A week-long agricultural show is underway in Ho as a prelude to this year’s National Farmers Day celebration which will also take place in the Volta Regional capital at the weekend.

Several hundreds of individuals and corporate bodies from the 16 regions are taking part in the event which was opened yesterday by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

On display are wide varieties with farm produce, inputs, beverages, edibles and massive agricultural machinery from corporate bodies, individuals and stakeholders in the food and agricultural sectors.

Dr Bawumia said today’s agri-business thrives on quick access to latest, accurate and valuable information on new products, methods and systems of production as well as avenues for marketing of agricultural products.

“Considering that these developments hold great prospects for the accelerated growth of agriculture, there is a need for greater awareness on the inherent and imminent benefits that come with technology,” he pointed out.

The Vice President noted that such a fair was equally important, as a platform for common and concerted action to exploit the new opportunities in the sector.

To the private sector, Dr Bawumia said that the expectation of government was to provide the necessary response to the policy initiatives and to partner with government to bring about the reality of policy objectives.

“It is in this context that I deem this Agricultural Fair very important.

“The presence here of key stakeholders namely; farmers, aggregators, processors, input dealers, researchers, policymakers and implementers as well as the general public clearly underscores the high interest of stakeholders.

 “In addition to information sharing, this fair offers a good opportunity for feedback from stakeholders on policy initiatives and implementation.

“It also gives the opportunity to discuss the appropriateness and availability of technology, as well as the efficacy of relevant agro-products.”

Earlier, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture announced that 2,700 new agricultural extension officers had been recruited nationwide, as part of efforts to boost modern farming.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta announced plans by government to cultivate 387,000 hectares of rice in 2021 to end of its importation.

FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, JUBILEE PARK, HO

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