Dorimon (U/W), Nov. 6, GNA - This year's best farmer award winners in the Upper West Region could not receive their honours at the commemorative durbar held at Dorimon in the Wa West district due to the late arrival of the prizes from Accra.

Mr Joseph Farlong, Regional Director of Agriculture old reporters that the vehicle conveying the prizes from Accra to Wa was involved in an accident near Kumasi and that a second car that took over the items also broke down a few kilometres away from the Dorimon venue. As a result, the award winners were asked to stay over and wait for their prizes.

Mr Farlong apologized to the farmers for the inconvenience they suffered as a result of the delay and expressed the hope that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in future.

Commenting on the performance of the agriculture sector in the region, Regional Director said livestock production had increased tremendously due to the introduction of the Upper West Agricultural Development Project few years ago.

He advised the farmers to adhere to instructions from agricultural extension officers in order to improve on production.

Mr Sahanun Mogtari, Upper West Regional Minister, said there had been an increase in production of maize and sorghum in the region. He said Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) was promoting fishing in the region as a means of supplementing the protein intake of the citizenry and to raise income of farmers.

He said about 300 youth had been trained in fisheries production to enable them generate income and become self-reliant in society. Mr Mogtari said MOFA was liasing with the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana to make loans and other credit facilities available to farmers in rural communities.

Mr Godfrey Bayong Tangu, Wa Municipal Chief Executive, said the government would do everything possible to promote livestock production as an alternative to crops in the region.

Mr Mathias Napogbong, 47, was adjudged the regional best farmer to receive the top prize of a corn mill, bicycle, sewing machine, wax print, machetes, a pair of Wellington boots and a certificate.