President John Mahama has denied assertions that Ghana’s agriculture sector is on the decline.

Addressing the 32nd Farmer’s Day Celebration at Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo Friday, Mr Mahama said despite the challenges posed by climate change and illegal mining activities on farmlands, the sector continues to witness growth.

The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo in his Farmer’s Day message claimed the sector has been largely neglected by the NDC government resulting in a consistent decline.

He said the growth rate in the sector, which stood at 7.4 per cent in 2008, the last year of the NPP administration, was only a dismal 2.4 per cent in 2015.

But President Mahama has rejected the assertion saying “the agriculture sector is not in decline; the agriculture sector is experiencing very healthy growth. “Let me state for emphasis that agricultural growth for last year 2015, according to the figures released by the Ghana Statistical Service was 2.5 percent growth,” he added. President Mahama announced the government plans to establish a Farmers’ Service Centre in each district of the country.

He tasked smallholder farmers to move from subsistence to commercial farming to create value and increase their income levels. Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Sherry Ayitey, said the Ministry has institutionalised insurance scheme for fishermen.

“Currently, 20,000 fishers have been insured at a cost by government. We have moved into the second phase and from 2017, the ministry will be insuring one million fishermen,” she said.

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old multi-purpose farmer, Robert Crenstil from the Ejumako-Enyan-Essiam District of the Central Region has been adjudged the 2016 best farmer.

A 39-year old farmer, Mr Ariku Martin Akurugu from the Upper East Region came second while Captain James Koranteng from Tarkwa-Nsuaem in the Western region was awarded the third National Best Farmer. This year’s award ceremony was on the theme, “Agriculture: A Business Response to Economic Growth”.

Mr Crentsil pleaded with the government to provide financial assistance to young people to venture into farming as a business. He will receive a fully furnished 3 bedroom house at a location of his choice. Eighty-three farmers were also honoured at the national event for working tirelessly to ensure the country’s is food secured.