Higher food yields depend on extension officers - DCE

Mr Tom Budu, Akyemansa District Chief Executive (DCE) in the Eastern Region, has appealed to agricultural extension officers to educate farmers on modern trend of farming to ensure higher food yield.

He said famers could make greater achievements in their farming businesses if they move away from their previous ways of doing things.

Mr Budu made the call at the celebration of the 29th edition of the Farmers Day on the theme; “Reducing Post-harvest Losses for Sustainable Food Security and Nutrition.”

Mr Seth Yeboah, District Agriculture Officer said currently the Ministry of Food and Agriculture aims at increasing farmers yield through improved technologies such as the use of locally manufactured pesticides and herbicides.

Thirty farmers received prizes like spraying machines, wellington boots, cutlasses, soap, certificates as part of the event.

Mr Eric Antwi Acheampong, 34, was adjudged the District Best Farmer and was rewarded with a 21-inch television set, a wall clock, full piece of cloth, wellington boot, two bars of soap, two cutlasses, spraying machine and a bicycle including a certificate.

According to Mr Acheampong, with the support of his parents, chief and elders of Akim Akokoaso has about 104 acres of land for various food and cash crops as well as 22 goats and 45 fowls.

He said though he is a farmer, he is also holds a diploma in information communication technology hardware.