Manso-Adubia (Ash), Dec.6, GNA - Mr Charles Oti-Prempeh, Amansie West District Chief Executive(DCE), said that government would sustain its support for cocoa farmers to enable them to increase production of the crop. He warned cocoa sprayers and supervisors of the various spraying gangs in the district to desist from diverting premix fuel and other materials meant for the cocoa spraying exercise.

Mr Oti-Prempeh was addressing a farmers' rally at Manso-Adubia at which over 200 hard working farmers were honoured. The event which was organized as part of the national silver jubilee Farmers Day, was attended by traditional leaders, farm project managers, staff of agro-chemical companies, farmers, fishers, agro-processors, heads of departments and agencies.

Mr Nicholas Manu, 48, of Abom near Pakyi emerged the overall best farmer and had a 21-inch television set, spraying machine, bicycle, full piece wax print, 10 cutlasses, six pairs of Wellington boots, rosette and a certificate. Two hundred agricultural exhibitors were given a cutlass each while 13 others received consolation prizes of cutlasses, Wellington boots, soap and half piece of wax print.

Dr. Albert Kwansah-Filson, District Director of Food and Agriculture was working hard to boost agriculture in the district. He commended Care/Cadbury Cocoa Partnership and the Millennium Village project for providing financial assistance to farmers and contributing to infrastructural development in the district. Dr. Kwansah-Filson said the district abounds large tracts of land suitable for rice production and said prospective farmers would be supported to increase their yields.

Fish farming and small ruminants' production would also be promoted in the district. Nana Doku Dankwa II, Chief of Adubia and Nifahene of Manso-Nkwanta Traditional Area, called for the rehabilitation of roads in the area to facilitate economic activities.