Bags of maize to be sold based on weight to provide farmers with value under PFJ 2.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with Integrity Commodities Limited, is introducing a 50-kilogram weighing scale for the sale of maize to ensure fair transactions and prevent farmers from being underpaid.

This initiative aims to safeguard farmers against market practices that undervalue their produce when sold by traders.

The standard weighing system was announced during the launch of phase two of the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs programme (PFJ 2.0) in Ejura Sekyedumasi, Ashanti Region.

The launch of PFJ 2.0 is expected to significantly benefit farmers and enhance Ghana’s food security. More than 10,000 farmers have already registered on the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP).

The implementation of PFJ phase two has commenced in three districts—Sekyere South, Ejura Sekyedumasi, and Atebubu Amantin—with stakeholder engagements aimed at informing farmers about the availability of all necessary inputs.

Dr. Kingsley Osei, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ejura Sekyedumasi, highlighted the presence of two large warehouses in the district, aimed at facilitating food preservation and providing farmers with ready markets.

Gideon Quaye, Managing Director of Integrity Commodities Limited, emphasized that under phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, farmers will receive seeds, fertilizers, and other crop inputs to repay during harvesting.

He highlighted that the introduction of the weighing scale aims to enhance standardization in the agricultural value chain.

A 50-kilogram bag of maize is anticipated to be priced between 200 and 300 Ghana cedis.

Several farmers expressed appreciation for the adoption of the 50-kilogram weight standard for maize, believing it will enhance their productivity and improve their livelihoods.