This year’s 39th Regional Farmer’s Day has been at Ajumako Enyan Esiam District in the Central Region.
Delivering her address for this year, the Honourable Regional Minister, Mrs Justina Marigold Assan said the theme for this year, ” Delivering smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience”,puts responsibility on all people to harness agricultural development and food system in the nation.
The government program ” Planting for food and Jobs” she noted, has made notable successes in the utilisation of fertiliser, adoption of improved seeds and good agronomic practices have increased productivity.
The Central regional minister, mentioned that the government has intensified the fight to end illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the fisheries sector.
She added that the Rice Value chain Improvement project which is very pertinent to Central Region was being supported from the South Korea.
Government, represented by Korean International Corporation Agency (KOICA).
“A 5 year project that covers 5 Districts, 514 farmers that belonged to 11 farmer based organisations located in 9 communities was agreed on”, she informed.
The Regional Minister further observed that World AIDS Day” with the theme, “Let Communities lead” was also celebrated on the 1st Of December.
Hon. Assan said the nation has made effort in the fight against HIV pandemic. Adding that Statistics in the Central Region had indicated that out of 24,046 HIV population 12,964 representing 53% were on treatment. She pleaded with all stakeholders to come on board to fight against this HIV pandemic.
Mr. George Lawson, a lecturer and a senior journalist from the Awutu Senya District was awarded the best farmer of the Central Region’s 39th Farmer’s Day celebration.
He cultivates maize, okro, cassava, mango, cowpea, pear and other crops in commercial quantities. He also rears cattle, local birds, rabbits, fish and beehives for honey.
Mr. Lawson received a small HIJET truck, refrigerator, mattress, Wellington boots, cutlasses, spraying machine and many more. In a resounding appreciation speech, Mr Lawson said that, development of the agriculture sector should not be left to government alone but should be a collective effort.
The best farmer also admonished the youths to venture into agriculture to help develop the country.
Some dignitaries present were, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhene of Oguaa traditional area, Hon. Ophelia Kwansah Hayford, MP for Mfantsiman, Hon. Ransford Nyarko DCE for Ajumako Enyan Esiam. Nine Districts were also awarded at the celebration. They included; Mfantsiman Municipal, Asikuma- Odoben-Brakwa District, Gomoa East District, Gomoa West District, Ekumfi District, Assin South District, Agona West Municipal, Cape Coast Metropolis and Ajumako Enyan Esiam District.