Registration for Planting for Food and Jobs phase two (PFJ 2.0) has officially opened, with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) targeting over 2 million farmers this year.
In a press briefing , Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that PFJ 2.0 aims to modernize agriculture by focusing on specific value chains, particularly major food staples, and involving the private sector.
“PFJ 2.0 adopts a holistic approach to the value chain, enhancing linkages among actors and improving service delivery for maximum impact. A notable change from the initial program is the shift from direct input subsidies to a smart agricultural financial support system, offering zero-interest input credit,” explained the minister.
Key focuses of the program include addressing poultry and rice production deficits, which contribute to currency depreciation due to importation.
To register for PFJ 2.0, farmers or companies must meet basic requirements such as land access, citizenship, possession of a valid Ghana Card, and engagement in or readiness to farm prioritized commodities. Companies need official registration. Registration involves creating a profile and measuring the farm through polygon capture.
Registration will occur nationwide through the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP), a mobile and web application. Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) and technical officers have been trained to use the platform and equipped with tablets for data collection.
PFJ 2.0 builds on the success of the first phase, aiming to ensure food availability, reduce food price inflation, promote import substitution, encourage exports, create jobs, and ensure food security, price stability, and resilience.
Strategic elements of phase two include a zero-interest credit system for inputs, provision of storage infrastructure, off-take arrangements, and a digitized tracking platform.
Originally launched in 2017, the PFJ initiative aimed to enhance agricultural development, food security, productivity, and youth employment. Implementation challenges led to a review, with stakeholders engaging in consultative meetings to address issues such as climate change and post-harvest losses.
PFJ 2.0 aims to support the entire agricultural value chain and promote private-sector participation, fostering economic development and resilience against challenges like food insecurity.
Dr. Acheampong stressed that PFJ 2.0 is a carefully designed initiative to build on past successes while addressing limitations, with the MoFA committed to ensuring successful implementation to empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Ghana.
