Koforidua, Nov. 7, GNA - Nana Kwasi Adjei-Boateng, New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, on Friday urged farmers to take advantage of available technology on the globe to improve upon their agriculture. Speaking at the 24th Farmers' Day held in Koforidua, Nana Adjei-Boateng advised them to take advantage of extension services, provided by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to improve upon their cultural practices.

He said technology could also address the problem of agriculture remaining unattractive to the youth adding "The drudgery associated with our farming practices scares the youth of today". Nana Adjei-Boateng said Government over the past seven years had worked hard to bring about massive and real growth in agriculture. "The sector's growth rate increased from 2.1 per cent in 2000 to 4.4. per cent in 2002 and to 6.5 per cent in 2008". "Cocoa production has increased from 350,000 metric tones in 2000 to 750,000 metric tones in 2006/2007 as a result of government policy to undertake mass spraying of cocoa farms and application of subsidized fertilizers".

Nana Adjei-Boateng said cocoa prices had over the years increased from 21.7 Ghana cedis in 2000 per bag to 102 Ghana cedis in 2008. He said in the municipality efforts continued to be made to assist farmers to improve upon their yields. "Ninety demonstration plots have been established on Good Agricultural Practices throughout the municipality as part of food security and improved livelihood programmes". Mr G.Y.A. Adukpo, New Juaben Municipal Director of Agriculture, urged the award winners to work harder to contest for Regional and National awards in future.

He said the ministry would continue to encourage application of science and technology to food and agriculture development. Mr Adukpo said in that regard there would be the need to direct farmers to sources of credit and appealed to beneficiaries to pay back promptly. In all 27 farmers were honoured with Mr Stephen Tawiah being adjudged the overall best farmer. He was presented with a 21 inches colour Television set, a bicycle, a carton of insecticides, Wellington boots and cutlasses. Ms Melody Tsakpo, adjudged the best female farmer was presented with a sewing machine, a carton of insecticides, a pair of Wellington boots, a Television set and a piece of cloth.