By Anthony Apubeo, GNA
Akayonga (U/E), Dec. 8, GNA – Farmers have been urged to adopt modernised agriculture technology and adhere to best practices to achieve sustainable food production and protect the environment.
“I urge all farmers to adopt technologies being delivered to them by the Department of Agriculture and the Forestry Commission as these will not only increase productivity but also promote sustainable agriculture development.”
Mr Peter Ayamga Ayinbisa, the District Chief Executive of Bongo, made the call when he joined the farmers to mark the 34th National Farmers Day at Beo-Akayonga in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.
“Let me, at this point, take the opportunity to advice our farmers and the general public against practices that destroy our environment. These practices such as cutting down of trees, indiscriminate bush burning, sand winning and pollution tend to destroy our environment and, therefore, we need to guard against them,” he said.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Agriculture: Moving Ghana Beyond Aid”.
Mr Ayinbisa reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening and boosting the agriculture sector through the numerous interventions such as the Planting for Food and Jobs, One Village One Dam, One District One Warehouse, Rearing for Food and Jobs, and One District One Factory.
“It pleases me to say that the Bongo District has had a fair share of these interventions and farmers who have benefitted from the Planting for Food and Jobs programme can testify. They bought improved seeds and fertilizers under the PFJ programme at subsidised prices and in all a total of 4,213 farmers benefitted from the programme in 2018,” he said.
The DCE urged his constituents, especially the youth, to venture into agriculture and take advantage of the programmes to increase food production in the District.
Mr Edgar Dra, the Bongo District Director of Food and Agriculture, said the impact of government’s interventions, particularly the Planting for Food and Jobs, was tremendous as it increased yields and reduced cost of crops such maize, rice, soyabeans, pepper and tomatoes.
At the ceremony, Mr Roland Anaba from the Akulyoo Community was adjudged the District Best Farmer for 2018 with Mr Azuure Akaara from Adaboya and Mr Mohammed Asobisa from Anafobiisi as first and second runner up respectively.
Mr Nbabila Akunaba was adjudged the Best Physically Challenged Farmer.
Mr Roland Anaba, the Best Farmer, was awarded a tricycle, radio set, Wellington boots, knapsack sprayer, two machetes, two pick axes and a wax print cloth.
Other winners include Mr Kizito Mberigo, Best Livestock Farmer, Mr Aguriwine Akurugu, Best Crops Farmer, Mr Timothy Baba, Best Fish Farmer and Mr Joseph Atinga, Best Agriculture Extension Agent.
The rest were Mr Jonas Adea Agulo, Best Youth Farmer, Mr Akuribire Adengkeno, Best Small Ruminant Farmer, Mr Justice Amoabono, Best Cereal Farmer and Madam Azure Akologomah Best Shea Nuts Picker.
GNA
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