Accra, July 27, GNA - A Sponsors' Night was held in Accra on Monday in honour of a number of organisations and companies for their continued support for and donations to the successful celebration of National Farmers' Day for the past 19 years.

The function organised by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) at La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, was the prelude to the launching of the 20th National Farmers' Day at the Greater Accra Regional Directorate of MOFA in Accra on Wednesday.

Speaking at the function, Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), Minister of Food and Agriculture, said the occasion was to say, "Thank you" to various organisations and institutions for supporting the operations of farmers and fishermen for the past 19 years.

He said the novelty of this year's Farmers' Day would be the inclusion of a "Champion of Champion's" contest, in which all award winning farmers and fishermen would contest.

He said the purpose of the contest would be for the Ministry to find out former Award Winners who were still active.

Major Quashigah said MOFA considered the sponsors as inseparable part of the aim of the Ministry to honour hardworking farmers and fishermen for their role in providing the food basket for the nation. He said the Ministry would be looking up to them for support for this year's National Farmers' Day celebration.

Nana Owusu Afari, Managing Director of Afriwaa Farms based at Tema pledged 30 million cedis comprising 2,000 day-old chicks, 5,000 cockerels and 2,000 broilers and monetary support.

The minister presented about 45 out of 109 sponsors present with certificates for their continued support of the National Farmers' Day celebrations.

The first National Farmers' Day was held in 1983 at Osino in the Eastern Region where farmers and fishermen who had distinguished themselves were honoured.

This was two years after ravaging fires, drought and its attendant famine occurred in almost every part of the country in 1981.