By Caleb Kuleke
Peki-Dzake (V/R), Dec. 2, GNA – Mr Godwin Kwame Dadzawa, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for South Dayi in the Volta Region, has asked the citizens to support the government in its quest to transform the country’s agricultural sector for reliable food sufficiency.
He said agriculture played an important role in the development of the country; thus it was important for all to come on board to support the government as it advanced measures to develop the sector.
The DCE said government’s strategy of linking agriculture to industry, under the One District one Factory Programme, value chain development and diversification, improving agricultural infrastructure and mechanisation among others would be pursued vigorously.
Mr Dadzawa, speaking at the district’s farmers day celebration said the agenda for transforming agriculture called for investing resources in critical areas of the sector, with a view to stimulating growth on a sustainable basis.
He said the government was doing its best to transform the agricultural sector and this was demonstrated by the government’s countless efforts since assuming office in 2017 by introducing its flagship programmes to revive the sector for economic growth.
He described the theme: “Accelerating Agricultural Development through Value Addition,” as apt, noting there was the need for a paradigm shift from production based to business-oriented agriculture which promoted value chain development and entrepreneurship.
Mr Dadzawa commended farmers and fishermen in the district for their hard work, commitment, and continuous support to the development of the area.
He said the Assembly recognised the work of the farmers and fishermen in the area and was taking necessary steps to support them for the growth of the local economy.
The DCE advised farmers to strictly adhere to instructions on containers of pesticides and weedicides used on their farms to avoid excessive application which could damage the crops.
Mr Enoch Dzadzra, the District Agriculture Director, said the district would continue to provide an enabling environment for farm businesses to thrive.
He said 900 bags of NPK fertilizers and 3,324 litres of organic fertilizers and 2,400kg OPV seed and hybrid 3,800kg were distributed to 633 farmers under the Planting for Food and Job.
The Director said some farmers were also taken through programmes including standardisation, packaging, and branding to enable them to add value to their farm produce.
Mr Dzadzra said over 10,000 tree species including teak, mahogany, Siamese, cassia, West Africa Cedar, and watapuo were distributed to interested people to plant as afforestation, avenue, and landscape plants under the Green Ghana Project in June this year.
Madam Peace Anyana Adzo, a 46-year-old farmer from Todome-Kpalime with 26 years’ experience in farming has been adjudged the overall best farmer in the district.
She has six acres of maize, three acres of cowpea, two acres of cassava, two acres of palm oil and two acres of plantain, one acre of okro and o.5 acre of coconut and 30 local fowls, ten goats, 18 duck, and ten cattle.
Madam Anyana Adzo took home one tricycle, 32 inch Led Flat screen television, two knapsack sprayer, three pairs of wellington boot, five cutlasses, a sash and certificate
She was grateful to the Assembly for recognising her work and contribution to the development of the district.
Mr Churchill Oforikumah, Assembly member for Peki-Dzogbati electoral area, with 16 years experience in farming emerged the district best crop farmer, while Mr Appiah Ebenezer Awudey, from Kaira- Kpalime with 38 years experience in farming won the best livestock farmer.
GNA