Ghana is today marking the 33rd edition of the National Farmers’ Day event aimed at rewarding farmers who have been outstanding in their respective areas.
About 90 farmers are expected to be honoured for their immense contribution towards the development of the agricultural sector at the national event being held in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.
Hundreds of farmers and dignitaries are already seated for the ceremony at the Heroes Park near the Baba Yara Sports stadium .
Today’s event crowns an 8-day exhibition that took place at the same venue. The President, Nana Akufo-Addo and other officials, have already arrived for the event.
Various regions and districts will also be holding separate events to award farmers in those localities.
The theme for this year’s event is ‘Farming for food and jobs’.
Ahead of this year’s celebration, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said “The innovation is that, we are doing a whole week of exhibition and fairs for all the stakeholders not only for farmers, but machinery suppliers and others, to give them the opportunity of a whole week to interact and learn from each other, and at the same time introduce elements of cultural displays by dedicating each day to each region, so they display their wares and do their cultural shows. We’ve been here for only 10 months, next year, there is going to be a lot of time to plan, and we are going to see a more radical way of celebrating.”
The National Farmers’ Day celebration was established by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1988, to honour the nation’s hardworking farmers.
On the first Friday of every December, farmers who excel in their respective fields are awarded prizes such as a house, car, farm implements, certificates and others.
Prizes are awarded to deserving farmers and fishers in order of best practices and outputs.
The Agric sector, which has been the mainstay of Ghana’s economy for years, currently contributes only 22 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The sector has seen declining investments over the years, with the new government announcing a number of initiatives to ensure the sector’s growth, and make life better for farmers.
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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana