The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated the country’s farmers on the occasion of farmers’ day today [Friday] December 4, 2015. The day is observed to recognize the invaluable contributions of farmers towards the growth of the nation’s economy.
The party in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia said “over the years you have consistently sacrificed by working hard to feed the nation and ensure food security. The NDC believes that your contribution to the GDP is an asset that continues to sustain the performance of the country’s economy in a very satisfactory manner.”
“It is worth noting that your immeasurable contributions have helped push forward the country’s development agenda including meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) one, that has seen poverty halved.
“As the nation celebrates you on this special occasion , we wish to reiterate the NDC government’s commitment to meeting the needs of the Ghanaian farmer by providing the necessary support and enabling environment to enable you to increase your productivity, that, would help meet the expectations of ensuring food security and sustainability.
“On this special day the NDC wishes to join all Ghanaians in celebrating the achievement of the nation’s gallant farmers” the statement concluded.
This year’s national event is taking place at the Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School Park in the Upper East Region, although there would be various regional district events across the country.
The theme for the celebration is “Transform Ghana: Invest in Agriculture”.
In all 78 farmers from all the ten regions of the country are expected to pick various categories of awards.
Farmers’ Day
The Farmers’ Day was instituted by the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government in 1985 in recognition of the vital role farmers and fishers played in the economy especially the highly commendable output of farmers and fishermen in 1984 during which Agriculture contributed to 30percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This achievement came after the bad agricultural years of 1982 and 1983 which saw the nation experiencing drought and wild bush fires. The day is therefore set aside to motivate farmers and to encourage them to produce more.
The first National Farmers’ Day was celebrated on the first Friday of December 1986 at Osino in the Eastern Region. The first best farmer received two machetes, a pair of Wellington boots and a preset radio.
However, the value of the awards has improved annually, moving from bicycle to power tillers to tractors, pick-ups and presently to a three-bedroom house which started in the year 2002.The last time the celebration was held in the Upper East Region was in 1999.
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By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana