He said investment in the sector would create the avenue for employment, boost nutrition of the populace and make agriculture attractive to the youth.
Mr Lomotey said this in an Accra as part of his goodwill message to farmers and fishers who were honoured during the 37th National Farmers Day celebration.
Funding was crucial to the sector due to the pivotal role farming played in national development, he said.
“One could imagine our fate if there were no farmers and fishers to provide our food and nutritional needs for our healthy growth and development,” Mr Lomotey said.
He commended farmers and fishers for their tremendous contribution to national development even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He urged the public, especially the youth, to take up urban farming, which was organic based, not requiring big size of land and had the potential to improve the local economy.
“A major dimension of any nation’s security is to ensure food security as a priority, there is incontrovertible evidence across the world that food insecurity is a major driver of conflict and consequently insecurity,” Mr Tawiah said.
“It leads to poverty, hunger and anger, creating fertile grounds for conflict due to the vulnerability of victims. This is why food production and access are important and must be prioritised at all times.”
Mr Tawiah said markets in the area were being restructured to ensure proper storage of farm produce to maintain their nutrients.