The government has distributed approximately 1.7 million birds to farmers nationwide under its Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, disclosed the figures in Parliament while responding to questions on government interventions to support the agricultural sector and improve market access for farmers.
According to Mr. Dumelo, the poultry distribution programme forms part of a broader strategy to revitalize the livestock industry, create jobs and increase domestic poultry production to meet growing consumer demand.
Beyond poultry production, he announced a series of measures designed to address long-standing challenges in the grains sector, including post-harvest losses, unstable prices and limited market opportunities for farmers.
The Deputy Minister revealed that the Ghana Buffer Stock Company has registered 45 Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to purchase grains directly from farmers at guaranteed minimum prices.
READ ALSO
The initiative is expected to provide a ready market for producers of rice, maize and soya while protecting them from sharp price fluctuations during peak harvest periods.
Mr. Dumelo explained that government has committed substantial resources to support the programme, allocating GHS100 million in November 2025 and an additional GHS200 million in 2026 to facilitate grain purchases across the country.
The funds will be used to buy, process and store excess grain production, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize market conditions.
He noted that the guaranteed minimum price mechanism will give farmers greater confidence to expand production by ensuring they receive fair value for their produce regardless of market volatility.
“The programme is intended to protect farmers’ incomes, encourage increased production and contribute to national food security,” he told Parliament.
The Deputy Minister further disclosed that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is collaborating with the World Bank Group to rehabilitate food storage facilities nationwide.
The refurbishment project is expected to increase storage capacity, improve grain preservation and strengthen the country’s ability to manage seasonal surpluses.
According to him, the upgraded warehouses will function as strategic reserves that can absorb excess production during bumper harvests, prevent drastic price declines and ensure food supplies remain stable throughout the year.
The initiative is also expected to reduce food wastage and enhance the efficiency of agricultural value chains.
Mr. Dumelo said the government’s interventions form part of a broader agricultural transformation agenda focused on integrating farmers into structured markets and improving transparency within the grain trading system.
He indicated that creating stronger linkages between producers and buyers would help eliminate exploitative practices that often leave farmers with limited bargaining power.
The measures are expected to support thousands of farmers across the country, particularly those involved in poultry and grain production.
Ketu North Member of Parliament Eric Edem Agbana welcomed the government’s efforts but emphasized the importance of timely implementation.
He noted that inadequate storage facilities and inconsistent market access have for years contributed to significant losses among grain farmers in major producing regions.
Mr. Agbana urged authorities to ensure that the interventions move beyond policy announcements and deliver practical benefits to farmers on the ground.
In response, Mr. Dumelo assured Parliament that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is committed to the swift execution of the programmes.
He disclosed that discussions with the registered Licensed Buying Companies are already underway to operationalise the grain purchasing scheme and ensure farmers begin benefiting from the guaranteed pricing system.
The latest interventions underscore the government’s efforts to strengthen agricultural production, improve food security and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported food products.
With 1.7 million birds already distributed under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme and new grain market support measures taking shape, policymakers are optimistic that the initiatives will boost farmer incomes, stimulate agribusiness growth and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector.
