Tree Crops Development Authority, Mampong Assembly supports farmers with agricultural inputs

The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), in collaboration with the Mampong Municipal Assembly, has launched an agricultural input support programme for tree crop farmers in the municipality.

The initiative saw the distribution of various agricultural inputs and equipment to beneficiaries to help improve productivity and promote the sustainable development of the tree crops sector.

The TCDA is the government agency mandated to regulate, develop and promote Ghana's tree crops sector to enhance productivity, increase farmers' incomes and promote sustainable livelihoods.

In his welcome address, the Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Issifu Yakubu, said he was privileged to host the ceremony, noting that agriculture remained the backbone of the nation's economy and a major source of livelihood for households in Mampong.

He said the sector employed more than 60 per cent of Ghanaians and contributed significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export earnings.

Mr Yakubu commended farmers for their vital role in ensuring food security and reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritising agriculture.

He highlighted the government's RESET Agenda, which seeks to attract more young people into agriculture by changing negative perceptions about farming and promoting the sector as a viable and rewarding career path.

According to him, modern agriculture offers opportunities in research, engineering, finance and other technical fields, stressing that tree crop cultivation represents a long-term investment with the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote environmental sustainability.

The MCE assured farmers of the continued technical support of the Assembly's Department of Agriculture to help them improve their farming activities.

For his part, the Board Chairman of the TCDA, Professor William Oduro, thanked the government and the Mampong Municipal Assembly for their support in organising the event.

He reiterated the Authority's commitment to transforming Ghana's six priority tree crops to promote growth, productivity and climate resilience, in line with the government's RESET Agenda and the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).

The Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, explained that the Authority's mandate covers six priority tree crops: cashew, oil palm, rubber, shea, mango and coconut.

He said the Authority was working to move Ghana beyond the export of raw materials towards a value-added tree crops industry, with interventions focused on the provision of improved seedlings, farmer training, traceability and market linkages.

The Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, pledged the support of the Traditional Council towards the successful implementation of the initiative.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, which included seedlings, fertilisers, knapsack sprayers, motorcycles, tricycles and protective gear, and pledged to put the items to good use to improve their farms and livelihoods.