Best farmer to get $100,000 reward

This year’s National Best Farmer will be the proud recipient of $100,000 at the National Farmers Day event which comes off in Kumasi today.

Instead of the usual three-bedroom house for the ultimate winner, the ADB Bank has decided to donate the amount to the awardee to purchase agricultural equipment and tools, among others, to support his or her agricultural ventures.

A grand durbar of farmers, stakeholders in the agricultural sector, government officials, chiefs and people to mark the day, on the theme: “Farming for Food and Jobs,” will be graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

More than 17 hardworking farmers will be honoured for their contribution to national development.

The national award winners include the National Best Farmer, first runner-up, second runner-up, National Best Youth Farmer, National Best Female Farmer, National Best Physically Challenged Farmer, National Best Livestock Farmer, National Best Fisherman and National Best Inland Fisherman.

The rest are National Best Marine Fisherman, National Best Aquaculture Fisherman, National Best Cocoa Farmer, National Best Shea-nut Farmer, National Best Crop Farmer, National Best Agro Forestry Farmer, National Best Agriculture Extension Agent and National Best Fisheries Extension Farmer Worker.

Read also: GHANASS matron, headmaster invited for questioning over vanishing food supplies

Innovation

As part of the innovations introduced into this year’s celebration, the first five winners from each region would be awarded at the national level.

Those who will be honoured at the regional level are the Regional Best Farmer, first runner-up, second runner-up, Regional Best Agriculture Extension Agent and Regional Best Fisheries Worker.

Prior to the National Farmers Day event, a maiden agricultural focus exhibition was opened by the Vice-President, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, at the Heroes Park at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The exhibition afforded each region the opportunity to showcase its culture and agricultural potential on a particular day.

Otumfuo

Although Asanteman is organising the two-week final funeral rites of its late Queen mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem,  the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has granted the government the special dispensation to hold the climax of activities to honour farmers and fishermen in Kumasi, the seat of the Golden Stool.

MD ADB

In a related development, the Managing Director (MD) of the ADB Bank, Dr John Kofi Mensah, has stated that the bank was spending GH¢650,000 on this year’s National Farmers Day cerebration.

Addressing the National Farmers’ Forum organised by ADB Bank in Kumasi yesterday, Dr Mensah said to give an additional boost to the agricultural industry, the bank had decentralised its support by establishing specialised desks at the various branches of the bank to offer support to farmers.