The 2016 National Best Maize Farmer, Kofi Vinyo has advised graduates of the various tertiary institutions to explore vast opportunities in the agribusiness value chain, instead of chasing non-existing white-collar jobs.
He said graduates must be willing to leverage their acquired academic knowledge to turn opportunities in the agriculture sector into meaningful ventures. This, he noted, will create better wealth for them as well as reposition them to make contribution towards national economic growth and development.
“Why do you carry your CVs around for years without a job when agriculture holds numerous opportunities? Farming is no more for old men and women but it has become a full-time job for people who hold various degrees in various areas of academics. This is because agriculture does not just provide food but provides wealth as well,” he stated.
Mr. Vinyo was speaking to journalists after he was presented with an award at the University of Energy and Natural Resources’ (UENR) Local NUGS Excellence Awards in Sunyani. The physically challenged Farmer was honourd for his entrepreneurial drive and promotion of agriculture as an engineer of economic revolution.
He also urged the government to redouble its effort in making agriculture more attractive to youth, especially for the teeming unemployed graduates. He noted that the sector has the potential to absorb a sizeable number of graduates ‘gallivanting around’ under the guise of seeking for employment.
To achieve this feat, the government must demonstrate utmost commitment to addressing issues like post-harvest losses, lack of access to affordable credit, and inadequate infrastructure such as irrigation system to promote all-year farming as well as serve as an antidote to the effect of climate change on farming, he added.
The Paramount Chief of Suma, Odeneho Dr. Affram Obrempong II who chaired the awards ceremony advised the youth to embrace attitudinal change, particularly poor time management in order to make headway in the midst of bubbling societal challenges.
