PFJ started having issues when it lost focus – Abu Sakara

So those are the issues that affected the programme.

That is why, when we experienced food prices going up, people were questioning the relevance of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme.

The Minister told us that there’s food in the rural areas, but until now, have the food prices come down?

"Apart from the management issues I have talked about, other issues militated against the success of the programme.

When you look at our farmers, the cost of fertilizer is three times higher, fuel prices are up, transportation fares have increased, and on top of that, the labor you hire on your farm also wants an increased price.

“So you realize that the farmers start switching crops, especially the ones that have export value, because for the same amount of energy, you’ll get a higher income, and that affects your food base.

So that is the result we have.