Swedru (Ash), Dec.3, GNA - Twenty-five farmers and an institution in the Afigya-Kwabre district were on Friday honoured for promoting the growth of agriculture at this year's Farmers Day celebration in the area held at Swedru.

Fifty-five year old Jacob Akwasi Danso of Abroma, won the ultimate and was presented with a 29-inch colour Television, bicycle, Wellington boots, radio cassette recorder, full piece of cloth, cutlasses, bars of key soap, carton of agro-chemicals and certificate. The best woman farmer award went to Madam Mary Adumata of Swedru who was presented with agricultural inputs, radio set and a Television, while the best youth farmer award went to Yaw Kwarteng of Duaponkor, with Kwadwo Brefo of Amoako, picking the best cocoa farmer award. Mr Edward Ofori-Frimpong was adjudged the best extension worker with the best institution award going to Wawase R/c Primary high School. All the award winners received agricultural inputs. Mr Kwaku Oppong-Kyekyeku Kaakyire, the District Chief Executive (DCE), said there was the need to shift from the old traditional small scale agriculture to large scale farming. Additionally, farmers should go into non-traditional income generating activities as they cultivated maize, plantain, cassava, rice, cowpea and other food crops. The DCE called on the chiefs to release land for agricultural purposes. Madam Felicia Akowuah, the District Director of Agriculture, said the district has been included in the cocoa spraying programme. She praised the farmers for their outstanding performance that has ensured food security in the district. 3 Dec. 10