Koforidua, Dec. 2, GNA - Twenty-six farmers in the New Juaben Municipality received prizes totalling 54 million cedis at the Regional Farmers' Day celebration at Asokore on Friday. Mr F.W.K. Akuffo of Suhyen Mpaem, a suburb of the municipality, was adjudged the Best Municipal Farmer ahead of Mr Victor Doe of Kentekre and Mr Osei Agyemang of Ademposo who came second and third respectively with the best female farmer going to Madam Comfort Osei of Nyamekrom.
Thirteen personalities received consolation prizes while nine others were recognized for their specialty in some staple crops.
Nana Akwasi Adjei-Boateng, the Municipal Chief Executive, expressed concern about the unwillingness of many young people to go into farming.
He said a study conducted recently in the Municipality showed that 57 per cent of the 10,775 people interviewed who were engaged in agriculture were above 40 years and this "poses worrying signals for improved and sustained agricultural production."
Nana Adjei-Boateng said this not withstanding, the government was pressing on with the Youth Employment Programme. Under it, he said, nearly 22 million cedis had been given to youth undertaking vegetable production while another 60 million cedis were used to support youth engaged in forestation projects in four communities.
