Ghana's Farmers Urge Policies to Cut Food Imports, Boost Local Production

Bismark Nortey, Acting Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, emphasizes that the government must address high production costs to reduce Ghana's $2 billion annual food imports. He advocates for subsidies on agricultural machinery and services to lower production costs and boost local employment. Rising food prices are a significant factor in Ghana's inflation, which stood at 23.1% in February. Meanwhile, U.S. farmers are facing challenges due to tariffs imposed by China, with agricultural products like chicken and soybeans affected, leading to concerns about market reliability and profitability. The ongoing trade discussions between India and the U.S. also focus on agricultural products, with prospects for reducing tariffs and enhancing market access. Additionally, Meghalaya's Chief Minister reported significant income increases for farmers in high-value horticulture, highlighting successful government interventions.