The government has released GH¢100 million to the National Food Buffer Stock Company to purchase surplus food crops from farmers, Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has announced.

The move comes after months of appeals from farmer groups, who raised concerns over post-harvest losses and depressed market prices due to increased production.

Many feared that without intervention, their investments in expanded cultivation would go to waste.

Mr. Opoku explained that the allocation is intended to guarantee that surplus produce — including staples such as maize and rice — will be purchased, properly stored, and released onto the market during emergencies.

“This intervention is to protect farmers from post-harvest losses and ensure that the gains from increased production are not eroded,” the Minister said.

He noted that the initiative follows deliberate government policies to boost agricultural output, which are now producing tangible results.

According to him, a price determination committee has already submitted proposals for fixing producer prices. Consultations are also underway with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to ensure fair pricing.

Once the rates are approved, procurement will begin immediately.

The intervention is expected to provide relief to farmers while strengthening Ghana’s food security systems, the Minister concluded.