Brazil lines up $96m credit for Ghanaian small-scale farmers

The Brazilian government has put down a $96 million concessionary loan facility for small scale farmers in Ghana.

The loan is expected to enable the Ghana government to buy and distribute agricultural equipment to small-scale farmers—thereby helping to improve and modernize agriculture in the country.

According to a statement issued by FAGRO, Ms Irene Vida Gala, Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, made this known when they paid a courtesy call on the envoy to assess her country’s preparedness in participating in the upcoming 4th National Food and Agric Show.

The amount will also help build the competence of small-scale farmers to reduce the importation of food and address food security concerns.

Ambassador Gala said for the first time, fifteen Brazilian companies will be participating in FAGRO with various agricultural products such as; machinery, feeds for fish, cattle and other animals and especially equipment that can be used by small scale farmers.

“Our main aim is to advertise the Brazilian companies who will be participating and help them to understand that there are many possibilities and opportunities of doing business in Ghana,” Gala was quoted as saying.

We want them to also understand the level of Ghana’s agric sector and to build a sound and strong business relationship in Ghana, she added.

Themed “Linking farmers to the appropriate market: a value chain process”, this year’s FAGRO is scheduled for August 23 to 25, 2012 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra.

By Ekow Quandzie