Accra, April 15, GNA- The government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) with the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC), an international non-profit research and development institution in Accra.

The MOU is intended to cover areas of mutual interest in the improvement of agricultural productivity, rural development and poverty reduction through sound and sustainable soil management practices and agricultural policies.

The Minister for Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Major Rtd Courage Quashigah signed on behalf of the government whilst Mr. J. J. Rob Groot, Director in charge of the African Division of IFDC signed for his organisation.

Under the memorandum the government and the IFDC would establish a work plan with specific reference to particular set of activities such as integrated soil fertility management, agricultural policy reforms, agricultural inputs supply system, agricultural market development and marketing information systems among others.

In a short address, Major Quashigah noted that the data collection, analysis and diffusion of market information on prices trend which would be intensified under the memorandum is an important step to encourage farmers to increase their yield.

He commended the IFDC for its assistance to MOFA and hoped that the signing of the MOU would deepen the co-operation between it and Ghana. Responding, Mr. Groot commended the government for its sound agricultural policies and gave assurance that his organisation would assist the country to implement such policies.