New Akrofuom (Ash), Dec 7, GNA - Nana Francis Kwesi Amakye, Twafohene of Nyankumase and Principal Accountant at Christ the King Secondary School at Obuasi, won the best farmer award in the Adansi East District at the national farmers day held at New Akrofuom on Friday.

He received a spraying machine, four cutlasses, a pair of Wellington boots, and a bar of soap, a cassette record player and a certificate as prizes.

In all, 16 farmers were honoured and received various items as their prizes.

Speaking at the function, Mr Dominic Yeboah, Adansi East District Chief Executive, called on farmers to develop a positive attitude towards farming. Farming should be perceived not only as a source of livelihood but an avenue to amass wealth, he told the farmers.

Mr Yeboah announced that with the introduction of the 'high tech' in the cocoa industry, which had boosted yields, 1,714 farmers were supplied with 10,281 bags of fertilisers this year through the 18 licensed buying companies.

A total of 33,438 farmers benefited from the mass cocoa spraying exercise in the District, he said, adding that it showed the Government's commitment to ensure increased cocoa yields for farmers.

Mr Godfrey Cudjoe Kporfeame, District Director of Food and Agriculture, commended farmers for their immense contribution to the economy of the nation. He noted that in spite of the numerous problems farmers faced, they had kept faith by defying all odds to produce food to feed the nation and pledged that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture would continue to support them.

Madam Akosua Addai, 65, of Maabang Farms was adjudged the best farmer for the Atwima District at the national farmers day held at Srebuoso.

She received a double bed, a foam mattress donated by Fabi Timbers, a pair of Wellington boots, cutlasses and a bag of fertiliser.

Thirteen other farmers were honoured and were given Wellington boots, cutlasses and bags fertiliser.

Addressing the farmers, Mr Charles Yeboah, Atwima District Chief Executive, announced that the mass cocoa spraying exercise had given employment to 1,440 youth in the District.

He announced that the District Assembly would soon establish gari-processing factories at Saakrom and Akonkye.

Mr Yeboah said when the factories were opened about 50 women would be given financial support to purchase cassava to feed the factories.

He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP0 Government had not only placed premium on agricultural production but had moved further to make it a business venture capable of bringing smiles onto the faces of farmers.

The DCE explained that the Government's medium term a priority of enhancing agriculture for rural development was a means the Government was using to reduce poverty.