DCE urges chiefs to release lands to prospective farmers

Breman-Asikuma (C/R), Dec. 7, GNA - Mr. Sampson K. Anfako, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, has appealed to chiefs and other custodians of lands in the district to release lands to prospective farmers and groups on liberal terms as their contribution towards national development.

Mr. Anfako hoped this would entice the youth and organized group farming societies to go into agribusiness to maintain the current food and exportable crop production and security.

The DCE was addressing a farmer's rally at Breman-Asikuma in the Central Region to mark the 19th anniversary of the National Farmers' Day. A retired army Captain Kofi Amponsah from Breman-Barkwa, near Asikuma, was declared 2003 best farmer for the district.

He was awarded with a bicycle and other items.

Mr. Anfako drew the attention of the youth to the dwindling population of farmers in the rural communities due to old age, and strongly admonished the youth to take interest in agriculture. He warned that the nation would face unprecedented food crisis if the youth continue disregard agriculture as inferior and not a lucrative profession.

Mr. Anfako affirmed government determination to make farming more acceptable to the hard working farmers to motivate them to step up production. On his part, Dr K. Lawson, District Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), emphasized the need for farmers to always seek the expert advice and guidelines from the agricultural extension officers operating in the district to improve their performances and annual returns.

Dr Lawson said the theme for this year's celebration indicate the extent to which government had planned against the country's food security, and further called for uninterrupted co-operation and support from farmers and fishermen.

Earlier, an official of Asikuma office of MOFA had taken the participants through issues bothering the correct use of organic and liquid fertilizers.

Nana Kweku Essong, Chief of Breman-Beedum, who chaired the function advised farmers in the area to adhere strictly to the advice of extension officers for increased production of foods and vegetables all year round.