Katakyiase (C/R), Nov. 27, GNA – Mr Kobena Dadzie, 62 year old farmer from New Ebu , emerged the District Best Farmer for the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) district of the Central Region.
For his prize, he recieved a tricycle, a certificate and farm tools including Knapsack, machetes and Wellington boots.
Mr Dadson owns who owns 12 acres of coconut, six and a. half acres of lime, five acres of citrus, three acres of plantain, two acres of maize, four acres of cassava, half an acre of sugar cane and two and a half acres of oil palm, expressed immense joy on receiving his award.
Madam Lydia Ama Aberesi, a 24-year-old blind farmer , was adjudged the overall best farmer among disabled farmers in the district, during the event.
Madam Aberesi, together with her spouse, Mr Stephen Nkrumah also a farmer, have large acres of cassava, okra, maize, plantain and pepper.
For her prize, she was presented with a wheel barrow, spraying machine, cutlass and a pair of wellington boots.
Other awardees include; Mr Kwadjo Nkrumah who won the best organic citrus farmer, Madam Ekua Mansa, the best fish processor, Mr Kwesi Morrison, best crop farmer and Felix Cobbinah the best youth farmer.
In all, 13 farmers were presented with certificates and awards ranging from cutlasses and a tricycles.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the event, Madam Aberesi called for training, motivation and support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to ignite their interest in farming.
She admonished the youth to consider venturing into agriculture because it was a lucrative area that had the potential of supporting their livelihood.
She commended the Government for introducing the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, which she said would make the country self-sufficient in food production and exports.
However, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should make clear policies and programs that would be disability friendly to attract them into the sector, she appealed.
For his part , Mr Willyevans Obiri-Awuah, District Chief Executive, urged the youth to erase the perception that Agriculture was for the less privileged, adding that it was rather for people who were determined to make a mark in feeding the nation and the World.
He also charged the youth to avail themselves and venture into farming because Government was assisting to transform the sector.
Also present were , Dr.John Nunya, the Co-ordinating Director, Mr Napoleon Nsarko Tawiah, the Presiding Member,Nananom, departmental heads and other important dignitaries.
GNA