The government may be failing to implement portions of the 2023 Budget Statement and Financial Policy that are key to driving the development of agriculture for farmers, both small scale and commercial.
“Mr. Speaker, The National Insurance Commission, is spearheading the development of agricultural insurance for farmers through the Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool (GAIP). GAIP provides traditional agricultural insurance and index based weather insurance products to commercial and small-holder farmers. An estimated US$400 million in agricultural insurance will be extended to eligible farmers in 2023,” portions of the 2023 Budget Statement and Financial Policy read.
When Agriculture Policy Consultant, Emmanuel Wullingdool spoke to Mark Smith on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show, he mentioned that the government has been seen doing much in the area of agriculture insurance.
His comments were made ahead of the presentation of the Midyear Budget Review by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, Monday, July 31, 2023.
“I would say that is one thing we’re failing to see the government do. In my previous work with the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition, we had extensive work where on an annual basis, we were picking data on farmers with respect to their knowledge of agricultural insurance. Per the farmer populations we surveyed across the country, we have never crossed 2 percent of farmers being knowledgeable in the area of agriculture insurance. Of the two percent that indicate awareness, it remains only at awareness. Access to same remains a big challenge.”
“I have not seen any education in this regard. Something that will get farmers to know where such facilities are available and all of that. I have to say that one cannot underestimate the power and relevance of agricultural insurance,” he said.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
