Kwabenakwakrom (Ash.) Nov.6 GNA---The government of the NPP is embarking on a number of initiatives and projects to help develop the agricultural sector of the economy.

Mr Joe Boampong, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, who announced this at the Municipality's farmers' day at Kwabenakwakrom named the Presidential Special Initiative on Cassava and the Disease Control Programme as some of the initiatives.

In all, 25 farmers, including the Dompoase Secondary School and two staff of the Obuasi Office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture were honoured.

Mr. Samuel Akko, a 65-year-old farmer at Kokotenten was adjudged the best farmer, whilst Mr. Thomas Frimpong won the second best farmer award.

For his prize he received a bicycle, three cutlasses, a pair of wellington boots, insecticides, sewing machine, standing fan and a Certificate.

The Municipal Chief Executive said under the PSI 800 acres of land had been released for the cultivation of improved cassava at Bobriase, a suburb of Akrokerri.

In addition, a large stretch of land covering over 4,000 acres at Odumase through to Gyimiso-Kakraba had been released by Anglogold Ashanti for the cultivation of cassava.

Mr Boampong said multiplication sites totalling 33.13 acres had been established at Bobriase, Bura, Sodua, Abadwum and other areas to help prospective farmers to get enough planting materials to promote the cassava initiative.

He announced that Anglogold Ashanti had also set aside a large tract of land for farming purposes of which the Company was prepared to give loans to all prospective farmers under a One Billion cedis package. Mr Boampong used the occasion to appeal to all to help attain peaceful elections in the area.

Mr Kwadwo Boama-Gyan, the Municipal Director of Agriculture, said the Directorate had organised a number of workshops including result and method demonstrations to help farmers improve upon their farming methods.

He commended Shaft FM, an Obuasi-based private radio station for its "Akuafo Mmo" programme, which had promoted farming activities within the municipality and its outlying communities.

The remaining 24 award winners received items ranging from cutlasses, Wellington boots, wax print and Certificates.