Agriculture will be modernised in my government - Nana Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says his government will the focus on local farmers to increase efficiency in agricultural production through valued addition, storage and enhanced marketing facilities.

Nana Addo speaking at the 68th new year school and conference which is focusing on how to use Information and communications technology (ICT) to improve agriculture.

Speaking on the theme: "Promoting National Development through Agricultural modernisation": "The Role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)", Nana Addo said it is worrying that food is expensive in Ghana despite the fact that the country is blessed with fertile land.

He said his government will make agriculture attractive to the youth and adopt policies to help women in agriculture.

"It is clear that ICT has brought to the fore new ways of doing things. Given the rapid penetration of ICT in our society today, particularly the use of mobile telephones, there is a realisation that ICT should be integrated to be effectively used as facilitating tools in agricultural development to boost its impact on the lives of our farmers," he stated.

"ICT provides easier access to markets and information resources and I have no doubt that if this is mainstreamed into our agricultural practices, productivity within the sector will be increased to ensure that not only will farmers’ input increase but also the nation’s food security will be guaranteed."

"Our policies and interventions will encompass full agricultural value chain and create additional businesses and job opportunities in the areas of storage, transport, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural produce, all of which will ensure that our farmers and fisherfolk earn higher income."