The Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region has honoured 14 farmers across various categories, with a 62-year-old farmer, Simon Tettey Nyagblortor, being adjudged the Overall Best District Farmer at the 41st District Farmers Day held at Boso Senior High Technical School, on the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
For his prize, he received a certificate, a tricycle, 10 machetes, a knapsack sprayer, five litres of weedicide and two pairs of Wellington boots.
The Asuogyaman District Chief Executive (DCE), Godwin Bobobee, in his address, said farmers in the district—and across the country—deserved to be honoured for their daily toil to feed the nation.
He noted that the agriculture sector employs a significant portion of the workforce in the Asuogyaman District, with many engaged in crop farming, livestock rearing and aquaculture.
He added that agriculture remains vital to the district’s survival, and deliberate efforts must be made to promote the sector to sustain the local economy.
Economic transformation
Mr Bobobee said the Asuogyaman District must reaffirm its commitment to making agriculture the engine of economic transformation, as the government had initiated many interventions in the agriculture sector.
He said the government needed the collaboration of the private sector and local communities to continue improving access to credit, modernise value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and create more opportunities for agro-processing in the Asuogyaman District.
The District Director for Agriculture, Hilary Doe Alagbo, encouraged farmers in the district to work closely with agricultural extension officers in their various communities for guidance.
He explained that the extension officers serve as a bridge between research and practice, ensuring that the farmers receive the right training, technological know-how and guidance to improve productivity.
Safeguard environment
He also advised the farmers that as they strived for higher productivity, they must also safeguard their health and environment.
I humbly caution our farmers about the hazardous effects of agrochemicals when they are not used appropriately, saying, “your health and the health of the consumers you feed is priceless”.
He urged them to always seek guidance from the extension officers and follow recommended dosages and safety guidelines, and added that the responsible use of agrochemicals was essential for protecting the soil, water bodies and the well-being of farmers.
