Abdulai Karimu is Best Yendi Municipal Farmer

A total of 15 farmers and fishers received various awards at the 40th Yendi Municipal Farmers’ Day celebration at Gnani in the Northern Region. 

Abdulai Abdul Karimu of Yendi was declared the Overall Best Farmer in the municipality. For his prize, he received a motorcycle, a bicycle, motorise knapsack sprayer, a pair of Wellington boots, cutlasses, pick sacks, tarpaulin and jab planters.

The first runner-up, Kpachil Maakpambe of Wasado, was presented with a bicycle, motorise knapsack sprayer, pair of Willington boots, cutlasses, tarpaulin and jab planters. 

The second runner-up, Mahama Nchab of Gnani was given a tabletop fridge, motorise knapsack sprayer, a pair of Wellington boots, tarpaulin and jab planters.

The Best Fisher, Klokpa Steven of Gnani had a bicycle, a fishing net, a pair of Willington boots, Cutlasses and sacks, while the Best Physically Challenge Farmer Award went to Abdulai Hardi of Bunbon.

Commendation

The Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Hammed Abubakari Yussif, commended the awarded winners for their contribution to the growth of the agricultural sector in the area.

He explained that the day was instituted in 1985 to honour the nation’s gallant farmers and fishers for their respective roles in revamping the economy after a poor harvest in 1982-1983.

Alhaji Yussif said farmers continued to contribute significantly to job creation, food security and economic growth. 

He said the support of farmers and fishers in 2023 alone contributed to over 21 per cent of GDP and 40 per cent of export earnings.

The MCE added that farming remained the major source of livelihood for the youth and women.

Climate change

Alhaji Yussif said the theme for the celebration: “Building climate-resilient agriculture for sustainable security,” demonstrated the period when the entire northern Ghana was facing a prolonged dry spell associated with the impact of climate change.

He added that inappropriate use of agrochemicals, deforestation and bush burning contributed to poor crop yields.

On Planting for Food and Jobs, Alhaji Yussif said as of now, 17,880 people had registered for the programme, while 3,138 farmers had received inputs.

Appeal

Gnani Dana Mohammed Abdulai, who represented Ya-Na Abukari II, the Overlord of Dagbon, entreated the government to post more agriculture extension officers to the area to support farmers in their activities.

For his part, the Yendi Municipal Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Abubakari Mohammed, also expressed appreciation to the farmers for their hard and commitment.