Forikrom, (B/A), Dec. 07, GNA - A 52 year old sub-chief at Woaso in the Techiman Municipality was last Friday adjudged the best farmer during the celebration of the 25th National Farmers Day at Forikrom. Nana Kwadwo Minta, who owns large acres of cocoyam, yam, plantain, cassava and cereals as well as livestock, took home a motor bike, wheel barrow, one latex foam mattress, 20 litres soya bean oil, a knapsack prayer, a pair of Wellington boots, two cutlasses and three bags of fertilizer. Mr. Gyasi Kontor, 35, who was the first runner up, received a bicycle, one latex foam mattress, a knapsack sprayer, two pairs of Wellington boots, three bags of fertilizer and a radio set.

Mr Takyi Johnson, 35, Brong Ahafo Regional correspondent of TV3, was adjudged the best farmer in fisheries whilst Mr Matthew Badu of Hansua was declared the best physically challenged farmer.

Kyidom Junior High School won the best basic school in agriculture prize and Akumfi Ameyaw Senior High School was adjudged the best in the second cycle category.

Thirty two other outstanding farmers in the municipality were also presented with prizes ranging from cutlasses, fertilizers, Wellington boots, Tee shirts, key soap, radio sets, badges and certificates.

Mr Alex Kyeremeh, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), lauded the contributions of farmers in the socio-economic development of the country and expressed the government's commitment to modernizing agriculture to make it the pivot of national development. He noted that problems such as high labour cost, distorted market prices and lack of credit facilities would be addressed under the modernization programme.

Mr Kyeremeh said this would ensure a rapid and sustained growth of the agriculture sector for food security and economic development. The MCE said the municipal assembly had procured a tractor for the re-shaping of all feeder roads in the municipality to help evacuate agricultural produce to marketing centres. Mr John Manu, Techiman Municipal Director of Agriculture, said the modernization of the sector would ensure adequate food security. He appealed to farmers and those desirous of engaging in the vocation to liaise with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for guidance. Nana Okogyeoman Kese Basahyia II, Chief of Forikrom and Benkumhene of Techiman Traditional Area, who presided, appealed to the government to intensify public education on the importance and role of agricultural extension officers.

He advised the people to avoid indiscriminate bush burning and illegal tree felling. 07 Dec. 09