COVID-19 -AGRA Donates PPEs to support Agric extension officers

By: Bagbara Tanko (MoFA)

The Covid-19 pandemic now entering its fourth month has sparked an unprecedented global health crisis that has fundamentally disrupted the social and economic fabric of all countries.
Governments have imposed severe restrictions on movements and travel that have virtually locked down countries.

This notwithstanding, AGRA, is committed to continue working with its partners and governments to support farmers, most of whom are women and youth, to plant, harvest, transport, and sell food without endangering their safety and that of others. This will also include supporting the over 5,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and Village Based Advisors (VBAs) that service the farmers.

It is in the light of the above that, AGRA donated same PPEs to the Ministry for onward distribution to the Extension Staff on the field as their activities are field-based and require human interaction with large groups of people.

AGRA also made available some seed money to start a Covid19 Agric alleviation fund to support rural farmers.

Receiving the items, Hon. Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister for Food and Agriculture expressed gratitude to AGRA for its continues support over the years to ensure the rapid development of Agriculture in Ghana.

The Minister, was satisfied over the contribution of the Agriculture Sector particular in this period of this Covid 19 pandemic. He was thankful to Farmers and staff of Departments of Agriculture throughout the country for their contribution in ensuring availability of food for all.

The Hon. Minister also stated that, the Veterinary Services of MoFA technical team and laboratory is part of the facilities available and running test on samples for Covid 19 infections, also the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate staff are at all the entry point of the country ensuring that plants and animals product are safe to be allowed entry in the boundaries of Ghana.