Newage Agric Solutions Limited has officially commenced the implementation of the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) program, a transformative initiative aimed at creating 145,000 dignified jobs.
Launched on December 7, 2023, with a stakeholder meeting in Tono, Upper East Region, the project specifically targets youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Notably, 70% of the opportunities are reserved for women, emphasizing gender-led growth in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Strategic Land and Seed Support
Over the next four years, Newage will provide 18,000 hectares of both irrigated and rain-fed land to young farmers. To ensure the sustainability of the “HAPPY” train, the company is also supporting 120 young entrepreneurs to establish 120 hectares of rice seed farms.
These specialized farms will secure a steady supply of high-quality seeds for program participants and the wider farming community, integrating them into a robust network connected to Newage’s supply chain.
Economic Impact and Import Substitution
The program aims to revitalize Ghana’s economy by focusing on the rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry value chains. By the end of the implementation phase, the initiative expects to:
- Boost Production: Mobilize 141,790 MT of paddy (valued at $44.3M) and 55,000 MT of soybean ($34.38M) annually.
- Increase Yields: Expand cultivated land by 40,000 hectares and improve existing yields on 15,000 hectares.
- Reduce Imports: Curtail national import expenditure by over $164 million over four years.
- Revenue Generation: Reach an annual total revenue of $164 million post-2026.
