Ho, Nov 05, GNA - Madam Afua Frimpomaa, 75, of Agona Nkum in the Central region on Friday became the first woman to win the best national farmers award since it was instituted 20 years.

Her prize was a fully furnished 400 million three-bed-room house to be built at a place of her choice.

This year's award ceremony at Ho in the Volta region under the theme "Food Safety and improved nutrition for a healthy and active nation" featured the maiden champion of champions' awards among previous national award winners.

This year's (2004) second and third best national farmers were Nana Kwaku Siaw 1, 33, of Kumah Farms complex in the Ashanti Region and Mr Mahamadu Mbila Asaki 49, from Zebilla in the Bawku-West District in the Upper-East region.

Nana Siaw took home a double cabin Nissan Pick-up worth 224 million cedis while Mr Asaki became the proud owner of a 160 million cedis tractor.

Mr Thomas Fosuhene Asare, the 1998 best national farmer from Ashanti Region, took home a 268 million cedis cross-country vehicle for emerging the champion of champions.

A Muso Pick-up worth 173 million cedis went to Mr Thomas Ahima, the 1998 best national farmer, of Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo Region for placing second while Mr John Kwame Mensah 1999 best national farmer from Abura in the Central Region drove home a 162 million-cedi pick-up for placing third.

There were 47 other awards going to individuals and institutions including special awards to the military and Prisons Service for the first time.

Also awarded were best extension agents from each of the 10 regions. Speaking to newsmen, Madam Frimpomaa urged the youth to take to farming which is fast gaining recognition and holds great prospects for higher earnings comparable to other professions.

She said though an illiterate she has gained tremendously from farming. An elated Madam Frimpomaa thanked the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the government for the great honour bestowed on her as the first woman to win the coveted prize of the best national farmer. 05 Nov 04.