Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - The National House of Chiefs on Wednesday congratulated farmers and fishermen and appealed to government to continu= e to create an enabling environment for sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

A statement signed by Wulugu Naba Pugansoa Naa Prof John Nabila, President of the National House of Chiefs, noted that the agricultural sector was constrained by several challenges. These include inadequate marketing and post-harvest management, poor=

access of farming inputs, limited financial support, poor use of modern technology, aging farmers and deplorable roads to some food producing are= as. It said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture had in recent times involved the House of Chiefs in major policy discussions towards the promotion of agriculture at various fora both in and outside the country. The statement pledged that the House would continue to contribute it= s quota towards the success of agriculture. "We the chiefs as custodians of land will continue to support agriculture by releasing land to entrepreneurs and interested people in t= he sector." The chiefs urged the farmers and fishermen not to relent in their efforts but continue to work hard in the ensuing years. This year's National farmers' Day falls on Friday, December 3.