This year’s edition of the National Food and Agriculture Fair dubbed FAGRO 2010 has been launched in Accra with a clarion call on the youth to veer into agriculture since it is equally lucrative to other professions.
Food and Agric Minister, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi
Chairman of the FAGRO 2010 Advisory Board, Mr Philip Abayori, who made the call at the official launch of the food fair, noted that Agriculture formed the bed rock of the country’s economy and contributes 34 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr Abayori said Agriculture presently employs 70% of the country’s population but decried that faced so many challenges due to the lack of appropriate agricultural technologies to make the venture lucrative.
“Agriculture contributes 34% of GDP and employs 70% percent of Ghana’s population, but the Agriculture sector has for many years faced many challenges due to lack of appropriate agriculture technology,” the Chairman stressed.
He indicated that, the setting up of FAGRO is to enable stakeholders in Agriculture to market and showcase their products, technologies and to act as a network among stakeholders to propel government policy of Agriculture modernization and transformation.
“It is therefore critical that key stakeholders in the agriculture sector such as you have gathered here, have a common platform such as FAGRO 2010 to enable you market and showcase your products,
Technologies and also a network among stakeholders to propel government policy of agricultural modernization and transformation of our agricultural sector form mere subsistence to commercially viable business entities,” Mr Abayori stressed.
He disclosed that the fair will commence from the 11th to 17th October, and will bring agricultural producers comprising farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders from all the 10 regions of Ghana.
He noted also that, Exhibitors from the African Union, Europe and Asia have indicated to exhibit at the fair, to make it the largest ever food and agricultural fair in Ghana.
Mr. Abayori indicated that, the fair is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, as well as other government agencies.
He noted that, the fair will also chances to Scientists, Engineers, Agricultural Institutions, Buyers, Exporters, Dealers and suppliers of Agro inputs and machinery to showcase their talents and invention in the quest to address problems and challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Taking her turn to speak at the function, Minister of Tourism, Zita Okai-Koi, observed that, agriculture is the backbone of tourism as well since hotels and restaurants need food to serve guests.
She reiterated government’s commitment to ensure that local foods are served in all hotels and restaurants across the nation.
STORY: EMELIA N.A. ARYEE & ISAAC OBENG
