Government allocates GHc292,479,722 for Youth In Agric Project

Government has allocated an amount of GH₵292,479,722 to support the Youth in Agriculture Programme for the year 2013, Mr Seth Terkper, Minister of Finance has stated.

He said out of this amount, GH₵133,733,330 was funded by Government, GH₵20,000,000 by ABFA, GH₵136,482,536 through Donors and GH₵2,263,856 by the IGF.



Mr Tekpe made this known in the 2013 budget statement on Agricultural sector in Accra on Tuesday.



He said Government would continue to pursue the Block Farm Programme, with a target of 60,000 ha for the production of maize, cassava, rice, yam, sorghum and cowpea by 60,000 farmers under METASIP.



He noted that 100,000 birds and pigs would be purchased and distributed to 60,000 young farmers under the livestock programme, as well as the inclusion of 700 women under the agribusiness sub-programme, to be trained and equipped to process farm produce.


He said 3,200 youth in the Eastern, Ashanti, Western and Volta Regions will also benefit from the youth in aquaculture project.





Recounting the performance of the programme for 2012, the Finance Minister said 45,000 hectares of land was cultivated in 2012 out of which 210,000 metric tonnes of grains was produced.

Mr Terkper mentioned that 500 youth were trained in the rearing of pigs and cockerels while 300 youth were trained in food processing.

“ With the assistance from the Young Farmers league, 300 young farmers were trained in the operation and maintenance of maize planters, fertilizer applicators and in land preparation at Afienya, Tsokoli and Okwenya all in the Dangme West District”, he stated.

He indicated that 450 youth were trained in fish farming in addition to the construction of 50 floating cages and were ready for distribution to 250 youth in 6 districts, including South Tongu, Krachi East,South Dayi, Upper Manya Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo and Fanteakwa.

He further stated that one million fingerlings were distributed to 1,000 young fish farmers.

Source: GNA