To enable the sector to performĀ better in 2019 and beyond, the Minister disclosed that government will be launching the livestock model of the Planting for Food and Jobs prgorammeĀ called Rearing for Food and Jobs (RJF).

The sole objective of this programme is to help increase the production of selected livestock, especially poultry.

ā€œIn the case of rice, the strategy is to increase volumes through increased yields of rice by expanding production areas in irrigated schemes, valleys and low lands around the country,ā€ the Minister said.

He added that the strategy will be underpinned by making available to farmers, improved and certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers, enhanced access to mechanized harvesters to reduce post-harvest losses due to traditional labour intensive threshing, and encourage private sector investment in milling facilities.

READ: Ghana to exit IMF programme by end of the year ā€“ Finance Minister

Imported rice

This is will ensure that the quality of locally processed rice will be at par with imported rice.

ā€œIn the case of poultry, about 70 percent of the cost of production comes from feed, which in turn is primarily determined by the cost and availability of maize and soya bean.ā€

ā€œSo, in order to bring down the cost of feed and make poultry production in the country competitive, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is working on a programme to sustainably boost soya bean production in the country through the provision of improved and certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers and harvest equipment to reduce field losses.ā€

The government, Mr Ofori-Atta said,Ā will also provide adequate good storage for agricultureĀ in order to avoid a situation where the increased agricultural production arising from support to farmers ends up going to waste.

In 2019, government expects to increase its warehouse storage capacity by around 80,000 metric tons, the Minister revealed.