Farmers within the Kumasi Metropolis are benefiting immensely from the implementation of the NPP-led government’s agricultural interventions; Planting for Food and Jobs, Rearing for Food and Jobs and Planting for Export and Rural Development.
Hon Osei Assibey (Kumasi Mayor) announced on Friday at the holding of the Metro’s version of the 36th National Farmers’ Day Celebration that pursuant to the execution of the programme within the metropolis, farmers and other actors along the value chain have benefited massively from the various packages under the program such as seed and fertilizers which were supplied at a subsidized rate.
He disclosed that farmers who availed themselves for the subsidized products were able to purchase improved seeds and fertilizers at prices that enabled them to cultivate to the fullest capacity of their fields.
“The subsidized fertilizer benefited a total of 23,433 farmers comprising 16,258 males and 7,175 females whilst the improved seeds fertilizers benefited a total of 18,635 farmers also comprising 13,277 males and 5,358 females.”
He gave an assurance at the event that government will continue to create the needed platform, provide improved seeds, fertilizers and extension services to smallholder farmers across the country in order to actualize the administration’s long-term vision of transforming the country into a food basket in the sub-region.
“…government is poised to position agriculture as a major driving force of the country’s growth and development to ensure sustainable food security and thriving agribusinesses through the Planting for Food and Jobs programme. Our focus is to have a paradigm shift, where Agriculture will be seen as a business that responds to the economic growth of the country and not just for purposes of farming to feed households”, he indicated.
EVENT
At the event, scores of farmers were awarded for their enormous performance in the field of agric.
The overall best farmer was Mohammed Ayama from Amanfrom community (Bantama Constituency). He received a TV set, mattress, NPK, Key soap (One box), wellington boot, Bicycle, KNAPSACK sprayer, Radio, NPK and a certificate.
Overall best vegetable farmer was Alfred Tweneboah of Danyame community, Best youth farmer Kwadwo Serebour of Doti, Best maize farmer Philip Nyarko of Amanfrom, Best rice farmer Yakubu Atubiga of RCC Ridge, Best Innovative Urban farmer Cletus Nsor of Dadiesoaba, Best Home gardner Godwin Tordzro of Krofrom among others.
By Enock Akonnor; Editor-In-Chief
enockakonnor2013@gmail.com