A Professor of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, at the Soil Science Department of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Kwame Agyei Frimpong, has called for the introduction of a scheme to financially support young farmers.
He said the establishment of a ‘farmers allowance scheme,’ by the government, will help to promote farming among the youth.
Over the years, the government has developed so many policies and programs to lure youth into farming, yet, the majority of the youth have remained adamant given the numerous challenges in farming and the frustrating venture in acquiring lands for such purposes.
However, according to Professor Agyei Frimpong, the introduction of monthly allowance will incentivize young enterprising farmers and would-be farmers in the country to venture into agriculture.
This he said would cajole the youth who are not involved in agriculture because of lack of interest and passion for agriculture and are busily struggling to make a daily living.
He said it is amazing that most youths are not interested in taking up farming as a business, but rather resort to trading on our high streets for daily income.
He said the government established the teacher trainee allowance for teacher trainees at the various training colleges as a means to encourage more students to offer teacher training education in the country.
Since its introduction, more students who were once not interested in teachers’ education have given keen attention to teachers’ education.
Professor Agyei Frimpong who was speaking on the Maiden edition of ‘Akuafo Ky3 Fa,’ a newly introduced agriculture talks show program, on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, noted that this would be the best approach to attract a section of the jobless youth into farming.
He said agriculture has been christened as the mainstay of the country’s economy yet little attention is given to key actors involved in it. However, he said agriculture can reduce the increasing statistics of youth unemployment and underemployment in the country.
Against this backdrop, he reiterated the need for the government to consider instituting ‘farmers allowance scheme.’
He said in recognition of the importance of agriculture to the nation, and particularly in addressing youth unemployment and also ensuring food security, the government must act now by establishing the scheme solely for the youth who take up farming as a business.
‘Akuafo Ky3 Fa’ is hosted by the President of the Ghana Agriculture and Rural Development Journalists Association (GARDJA), on every Saturday from 6:30 PM to 8 PM, on Oyerepa FM 100.7
