By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA
Ave-Xevi (VR), Dec. 1, GNA – Mr Simon Peter Ofosu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi North, has commended farmers and all stakeholders in promoting agricultural activities in the District.
“I say Ayekoo to you all. It is my prayer that you remain resolute to the course of championing the growth of agriculture in the District and Ghana as a whole.”
Mr Peter Ofosu made the appeal at Ave-Xevi in the Akatsi North District of the Volta region on Friday during the District’s celebration of the 39th Farmers’ Day.
In the face of climate change and evolving agriculture landscapes, Mr Peter Ofosu charged the farmers to strive to innovate, adapt, and implement smart solutions to ensure food security and build resilience in the agricultural sector.
“The theme for this year is not just a catchy phrase, but a call to action,” he said.
He further indicated that precision agriculture with the use of modern technologies such as drones, sensors, data analytics, and the empowerment of farmers was required for delivering smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience.
Mr Peter Ofosu, touching on addressing some of the challenges, said the government under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, implemented the Planting for Food and Job (PFJ)as well as the Rearing for Food and Job programmes.
He said the introduction of the second phase of PFJ was necessary after the end of phase 1 in 2022.
“This programme is aimed at helping farmers get inputs supply and access to market through an aggregator.”
Mr Peter Ofosu further said farmers would be linked to aggregators for inputs at the onset of the farming season where the aggregators would return to buy the products of the farmers at the cost of inputs supplied without interest charges.
He also highlighted several key interventions and programmes to be rolled out by the Assembly toward providing smart solutions in the agricultural value chain.
Ms Bridget Yayra Sah, the Akatsi North District Director of Agriculture, said the tireless efforts, commitment, and dedication to cultivating the land had not only provided sustenance for our families “but have also contributed significantly to the economic growth of our district.”
“Despite the challenges you face, you continue to toil with passion and resilience, and it is only fitting that we take a moment to honour and celebrate each one of you,” she said.
She said the Department of Agriculture, in its pursuit of agricultural development in the District, conducted some key activities within the year.
“As mandated, the Agricultural Extension Agents conducted 2,304 home and farm visits to our farmers to assist them with solutions to their problems.”
Ms Sah said the Department collaborated with OCP Ghana Limited to conduct to test soil samples from 300 farmers’ fields to ascertain the soil fertility status in the District.
She said the OCP group also used the opportunity to train the Department staff to understand and be able to interpret the test results and the recommendations made to farmers.
“Within this programme, 12 community fora were organised by Agriculture extension agents, and 845 participants benefited from the programme.”
She outlined other key activities her outfit carried out over the period.
This year’s event was under the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.”
Setudor Dzodzi Philip, a farmer from Nudowukope, was adjudged as the District’s Best Farmer.
Awards such as tricycle, deep freezers, Wellington boots, spraying machines, cutlasses, TV sets, and others were given to deserving farmers who excelled over the period.
The occasion witnessed colourful attendance from Chiefs, queen mothers, assembly members, heads of Departments, and several others.
GNA