Gambaga (N/R), Sept. 8, GNA - Dr Alfred Tia Sugri, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, has said the government was committed to modernizing and commercializing agriculture.

He said the government had a vision and commitment to the people and would therefore modernize and commercialize agriculture to improve food security, employment opportunities and to reduce poverty.

Dr. Sugri said this during the Second Ordinary session of the East Mamprusi District Assembly at Gambaga.

He said the government's interventions such as subsidy on agricultural machinery, improved extension services, establishment of block farms and among others had resulted in an increased production.

"The government's programmes have been so successful that within 18 months of coming to office, Ghana has produced so much maize, rice and soya beans that it exported 5,000 metric tonnes of maize to Niger without any negative impact on our cereal stocks or prices," he said.

Dr Sugri said more tractors had been supplied to the East Mamprusi District.

He said he had supported the District Assembly with GH¢ 4,000 out of his Common Fund to register beneficiaries of the Community Education Teaching Assistance (CETA) for classes on the University of Cape Coast access course programme.

He said some brilliant but needy students in Nursing Training Colleges as well as Teacher Training Colleges had been assisted with funds from the MP's Common Fund and has also renovated a 3-Unit classroom block in Zamblugu.

A ward is to be constructed for the Langbinsi Clinic under the MPs share of the Health Insurance Fund estimated at a cost of GH 60,000.

He said GH¢ 25,000 of his share of the HIPC Fund had also been used to rehabilitate broken down boreholes and the construction of wells.

Dr Sugri said he had used part of his share of the GETFund to buy 500 dual desks and 10 flat screen desktop computers and two printers had been presented to three schools in the district and the Mamprugu Traditional Council.