Nineteen (19) farmers in the Afigya Kwabre District were on Friday presented with various prizes for their outstanding contribution to the development of agriculture in the country.

They took home refrigerators, knapsack spraying machines, bicycles, agro-chemicals, three-burner gas cookers, pieces of cutlasses, flat screen television sets, bar of soap and pairs of wellington boots.

A 58-year-old Kingsley Antwi of Abroma, was adjudged the best district farmer.

This was at the district farmers’ day celebration held at Adukro, near Boamang.

“Grow more food - Research for sustainable agriculture development” was the theme.

In attendance were chiefs, heads of department, assembly members, civil society organizations, students and aspiring members of Parliament.

Mr Kwaku Oppong Kyekyeku Kaakyire, the District Chief Executive (DCE) appealed to the farmers to continue to liaise with the extension officers and adopt modern methods of farming to increase their yield

He stressed on the importance of Agriculture and urged the youth to go into farming to improve on their lots instead of moving to the urban centres to seek for greener pastures.

He said the Assembly was leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to improve road networks in the district and also provide other infrastructural needs for the speedy development of the area.

Madam Felicia Akowuah, the District Director of Food and Agriculture, advised the farmers to be cautious of chemical application on their crops.

She said they should not hesitate to contact the extension officers on best scientific farming practices and technology

The Agriculture Director also advised farmers to diversify and adopt new technologies from research findings to increase their yield.