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The Ashanti Regional Chairman for Non-Traditional Agriculture, Mr. Cletus Nsoh, has urged the government to prioritize investment in non-traditional farming as a sustainable solution to youth unemployment in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr. Nsoh highlighted the immense economic opportunities in non-traditional farming sectors such as snail farming, rat rearing, rabbit farming, grasscutter breeding, and fish farming. Despite their high profitability and growing market demand, he noted that these ventures remain largely underdeveloped due to financial constraints and lack of resources.
He pointed out that the rising cost and scarcity of grasscutter and rat meat are direct results of limited land and inadequate support for farmers. He believes that government funding and incentives would encourage more youth to take up these businesses and help stabilize prices.
“The price of grasscutter and rat meat has skyrocketed because there aren’t enough farms to meet demand. If the government provides financial support, young people can expand their farms and increase supply,” he stated.
Mr. Nsoh also appealed to the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, to introduce training programs aimed at equipping young farmers with the necessary skills to venture into non-traditional farming successfully.
Beyond financial support, he stressed the need for government intervention in reducing the cost of animal feed, which has become a major challenge for farmers. He also noted that the high cost of cages and enclosures for animal rearing makes it difficult for young farmers to scale up their businesses.
“If the government subsidizes feed prices and provides infrastructure support, more young people will be encouraged to enter non-traditional farming. This will not only create jobs but also contribute to food security and economic growth,” he added.
Mr. Nsoh believes that with the right policies and investment, non-traditional farming can serve as a viable employment avenue for Ghanaian youth while boosting the country’s agricultural sector.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
