Accra, Dec. 4, GNA - The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) on Friday lauded farmers and fishermen on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Farmers' Day saying they have provided the country with food and fish in spite of the enormous challenges confronting them. In a statement signed by Mr Bede Ziedeng, General Secretary, the party noted that Ghana's economy was agriculture-driven and was the lead sector contributing over 35 per cent to GDP growth.

"Our farmers do not only produce for our consumption, but also do so for export earning for the country the necessary foreign exchange for the development of the country," it said.

The DFP said in this regard it was heart-warming to hear the commitment of the government through the 2010 budget statement to invest more resources in agriculture in order to use it as a tool for development.

It called for the provision of subsidies on inputs such as fertilizers, chemicals and implements such as machinery, cutlasses and hoes. "Credit at reasonable interest rates will have to be extended to farmers while post-harvest losses must be reduced by providing storage facilities as well as the processing of agricultural produce and also the intensification of marketing strategies for agricultural produce," it said. "The DFP sees this as a more enduring approach at empowering our farmers and bringing real meaning to the honour and recognition we give them on Farmers' Day," the statement said. 4 Dec. 09