New Koforidua (Ash), Dec. 2, GNA - Farmers in the Ejisu-Juaben District have been urged to adopt modern farming methods to increase their yields and incomes. Mr Yaw Ahenkora Afrifa, Ejisu-Juaben District Chief Executive, who made the call, said the continued dependence on traditional methods of farming would not accelerate agricultural growth and reduce poverty among the people in the district. Mr Afrifa was speaking at the district's 21st Farmers Day celebrations at New Koforidua on Friday.

Fifteen farmers including Miss Rose Oteng, former DCE for the district were honoured for their contribution towards food production. They received cutlasses, Wellington boots, wall clocks, soaps and certificate. The overall best district farmer went to Mr Musah Bamfo from Nobewam, who produces varieties of crops and livestock. He received a bicycle, piece of cloth, Wellington boots, cutlasses, soap and a certificate.

Mr Afrifa regretted that about 60 per cent of farmers in the district do not practise modern methods of farming and said the government was putting in place adequate measures to ensure that farmers were encouraged and motivated to produce enough for the country. He advised the farmers against bush fires and urged them to desist from the use of harmful chemicals and fertilizers in the cultivation of their crops.

Miss Beatrice Aboagye, District Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, said the Ministry's mission was to promote sustainable agriculture and thriving agro-business through research and technology development for improved human livelihood. She appealed to the people in the district to approach extension and agriculture officers in the district to adopt improved farming technologies to increase productivity and their incomes. Mr Afrifa, who is also a farmer, received special award in recognition of his contribution to the growth of agriculture in the district.