Modern agricultural research-based strategy relevant – Minister
Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has said the ministry is looking for a modern agricultural research-based strategy that would help increase productivity.
He said the move would empower small, medium and large scale farmers with emphasis on women, to enable them acquire and use appropriate modern technologies and apply research results and management skills to make farming a business and not a way of life.
Mr Ahwoi said these during the 27 National Farmers and Fishers Awards day at Agona Nsaba in the Agona East District of the Central Region on Friday.
A total of 65 farmers and fishermen received awards in their various fields with Mr Ignatius Agbo, 56 year-old farmer from Upper Denkyira East in the Central region emerging as the national best farmer.
Mr Daniel Ankomah Mends, a 35-year old farmer from Assin South in the Central Region was adjudged second national best farmer while Mr Felix Kweku Agyeman from Brong Ahafo won the third national best farmer.
Mr Joseph Asare Bonnie from Greater Accra region won the national best livestock farmer with Mr Tsatsu Awonor from Afram Plains in the Kwahu South of the Easter Region was adjudged national best fisherman and Mr Kojo Kakraba, 27 years old from Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirim (KEEA) won the second national best fisherman.
The Minister said the application of science, technology and agricultural research results have been the backbone for the development of the new emerging economies with the fastest growing and emerging markets.
He said policy makers in the developed countries include South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, China and India recognized research that had helped to attain self reliance in the economic development.
Mr Philip Abayori, President of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association, appealed to the government to equip farmers especially in the areas of irrigation, supply of fertilizers and other assistance to help promote food and fishing production.
Nana Kwebu Ewusi, XII, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs who chaired the function, commended the government for instituting the farmers’ day celebration adding that it was important for farmers to apply modern methods in order to increase production for export and local consumption.
Source: GNA