Mr Jacob Ware, the Bibiani - Anhwiaso- Bekwai District Chief Executive (DCE), has stated that the theme for this year’s Farmers’ day celebration which is “Eat what we grow”, highlights the policy of the government to encourage the use of local food in our diets and meals.
Mr Ware said it would also strengthen the hardworking farmers to be more competitive and enhance their access to both national and international markets.
The DCE was speaking at the 30th District Farmers’ Day celebration, held at Basengele, near Bibiani in the Western region.
The National event would, however, be held at Sefwi Wiawso in the same Region.
Mr Ware explained that the celebration had been held earlier than usual in view of the celebration of the National event on 5th December at Sefwi Wiawso.
The DCE said: “Eating what we Grow” has a role to play in the marketing of agricultural products of all kinds, rather than importing almost everything we eat.
Mr Ware appealed to farmers to come together to produce more for the nation and beyond.
He said by this way, not only would their production and marketing cost be reduced but their competitiveness would be enhanced in a world where competitiveness mattered a lot.
The DCE said for Ghanaian farmers and fishermen to overcome the challenge they faced in their scale of operation, they needed to be strengthened to provide the necessary platform.
Mr Ware said the youth should be encouraged to get into agriculture to make the Better Ghana Agenda move forward.
He congratulated the award winners, including a blind man, and urged them to work harder in the coming year.
Mr Anthony Twum Barimah, a 53 year old building contractor, based at Sefwi-Bekwai, was adjudged the District’s Overall Best Farmer.
He received a tricycle, three bags of fertilizer, wellington boots, knapsack sprayer and two cutlasses.
Others received refrigerators, knapsack sprayers, fertilizer, wellington boots, standing fans and wheel barrows.
Nana Kwame Badu, Chief of Basengele, in his welcoming address, called on the government to supply fertilizer and insecticides at the right time.
Nana Badu also called on the Government to see to it that cocoa farmers’ children receive the scholarships.
