By Albert Futukpor
Tamale, Nov. 08, GNA – Mr Issah Majeed, a crop and livestock farmer, who is in his mid-forties, has been adjudged the Tamale Metropolitan Best Farmer during this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration, held at Kpanvo, a suburb of Tamale.
Mr Majeed, who cultivates maize, soybeans, sorghum, rice, and also keeps poultry and other livestock, took home a tricycle, knapsack sprayer, cutlass and agrochemical products as his prize.
Five other awardees during the event were Mr Abdul-Latif Yussif, who was adjudged Best Agricultural Extension Agent, and given a flat screen television set and agrochemical products as prizes, Mr Yakubu Mohammed, Best Youth Farmer, Madam Safia Yussif, Best Female Farmer, Mr Yakubu Tia, Best Livestock Farmer and Mr Adiribila Dahaman, Best Crop Farmer.
They all took home agrochemical products, wellington boots, cutlasses amongst other items.
Mr Majeed, on behalf of the awardees, thanked the government and other partners for recognising farmers’ contribution to national development through the awards.
He called for more investment in the agricultural sector to attract young people to the sector.
Mr Sule Salifu, Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive commended farmers and fishers in the area for their dedication and resilience towards ensuring food security in the midst of the long dry spell recorded during this year’s farming season.
He assured the farmers of continued government support for the agricultural sector to ensure increased production, food security and improved income for farmers.
He congratulated the awardees for their dedication to the sector.
Mr Francis Koo, Tamale Metropolitan Director of Agriculture said, “We gathered here today not only to reward our famers and fisher folks but to renew our commitment to overcoming the challenges of climate change, which threaten our food systems and livelihoods.”
He called for effective collaboration with research institutions to develop locally adapted climate-resilient crops and other farming technologies to boost production.
GNA