Kpetoe (V/R), Dec. 03, GNA – Nene Nuer Keteku III, Konor of Agotime Traditional Area on Friday called on government to help reverse the trend whereby many young people in the area were boycotting farming for the “Okada” business.

Nene Keteku made the call during the Adaklu-Anyigbe District Farmers’ Day celebration at Kpetoe.

He said many young people have either stopped farming completely or maintain small subsistence farms and acquired motorbikes so they could get ‘quick money.’ Nene Keteku said consequently several arable lands in the area were lying uncultivated.

He said the situation could cause famine in the area in future and suggested that government intensified mechanization to make farming attractive. Nene Keteku also appealed to financial institutions to make financial support available to farmers during the farming season.

Mr Michael Kobla Adzaho, Adaklu-Anyigbe District Chief Executive, said child labour was on the rise in the District with many children being seen on farms during school hours.

He appealed to traditional authorities and opinion leaders to help address the concern and also tackle bush burning and other social vices in the District. Mr Sampson Agbanyo, 32, from Keklebesi near Ziope was adjudged the Best District Farmer.

He took home one motorbike, wellington boots, four cutlasses, a half piece of cloth and a certificate.