President John Dramani Mahama has said government is rolling out a series of new interventions to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

He announced plans to develop commodity-focused cooperatives to support smallholders and targeted programmes for youth and women, including backyard poultry initiatives. He added that government was also investing in improved storage, marketing systems, and agro-processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Strengthened market linkages with processors, institutions, hotels, and supermarket chains, he said, will help stabilise farmer incomes.

The president explained that these efforts were part of a broader plan to build a 24-hour agricultural economy powered by technology, reliable markets, and continuous production cycles. He emphasised the strong potential of the vegetable sub-sector, describing it as labour-intensive, fast-maturing, and highly profitable, while also supporting better nutrition nationwide.

Under the Vegetable Development Programme, known locally as Yeredua, the ministry of food and agriculture will introduce climate-smart technologies, improved seed varieties, sustainable irrigation practices, guaranteed off-take arrangements, and expanded cold chain and packhouse infrastructure. The programme will also provide capacity-building support for women-led agribusinesses and young entrepreneurs, with stronger linkages to processing industries to promote value addition.

President Mahama praised the Haifa Region for its leadership in agricultural innovation, especially in horticulture and commercial-scale farming. He said the new solar-powered irrigation facilities in Kukum will boost dry-season production, strengthen cooperatives, supply markets nationwide, create jobs for young people, and increase household incomes.

He expressed appreciation to farmers, the minister for food and agriculture, development partners, private sector players, and Farm Mate Ghana for their role in advancing the country’s agricultural transformation.

The president reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmers at all levels, improving storage and market systems, and building a resilient and inclusive sector driven by technology and value addition.

He concluded by declaring the Vegetable Development Project officially launched.