This year`s edition of farmers` day was held at the Elleme Kpegagbor M/A School Park within the Afife zone. It was under the theme; “DELIVERING SMART SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY AND RESILIENCE’’. The occasion had Seven outstanding farmers, One Agric. Staff and One Farmer Based Organisation being presented with various award items. In attendance were Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Coordinating Director, Traditional authorities, and Religious leaders, Award Winners, Security Personnels, Members of the Press, Farmers, staff and the Community members. In a speech delivered by Mr. Lovelace Kudoto, Director of Agriculture, He acknowledged the effort by the farmers to put food on our tables in spite of several challenges they encounter. In talking about the theme, the Director of Agriculture mentioned that, sustainability of Agriculture productivity enhances food security, in the midst of Global challenges most especially, Climate change. He also added that, locally the Department of Agriculture have undertaken Climate smart farming demonstrations and facilitating the introduction of simple farming equipment to enhance sustainable farming. He also briefly informed the gathering of the soon to be implemented Planting for Food and Jobs Phase 2, which has the potential of increasing food productivity when it is rolled out.
Hon. Dr. Anthony Avorgbedor, the Muncipal Chief Executive of the Municipality in his speech, stated that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, which seeks to develop sustainable solutions to eradicate hunger by 2030, ensure food security, and enhance nutrition, cannot be fulfilled without the sacrifice and labour of our farmers. With agriculture employing the majority of Ghanaians, and the main stay of our economy, a day set aside to commemorate the day is well deserved and a step in the right direction.
He further added that, “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience,” resonates deeply with the challenges we face in our agricultural sector today. In addition, gallant farmers toil day in and day out, facing numerous challenges; to provide us with the sustenance we need as people to survive.
However, in recent times, the world has witnessed rapidly increasing strain on our food systems due to various factors such as climate change, population growth, limited resources, and prolonged droughts taken a toll on the activities of our famers. It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on and profess smart solutions to ensure a sustainable future for our food production.
The Hon. MCE added that, smart solution lies in the adoption of technology, science, innovation, improved productivity, investment in research, training and development, reduction of waste, and mitigation of impact of climate change. He revealed that, there also need to invest in infrastructure such as good assess roads to farm gates, affordable credit to farmers, irrigational facilities, reducing post-harvest losses, and establishing market linkages such as Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) to ensure fair prices for farm produce. This he added requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government agencies, public-private partnership, academia, industry leaders, and farmers’ associations.
“But smart solutions alone are not enough; hence we must also prioritize sustainable food security, we must produce enough food to meet the needs of the present population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This can include practices like organic farming, agroforestry, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, but the responsibility does not solely rest on the shoulders of our farmers” quoted by the MCE in conclusion.
The award category included the Overall Best Farmer, First Runner up, Second Runner up, Best Agricultural Officer, Best Farmer Based Organization (FBO), Best Crop Farmer, Best Veteran, Best Female farmer and Best Youth farmer. Mr. Felix Dodzi Kportorgbui, a 36-year old man from Afife was adjudged the overall best farmer and he received a Motorcycle, 2 boxes of herbicides, 6 Pieces of cutlass, One Knapsack sprayer, 4 pairs of Wellington boot, 2 bags of fertilizer and a Certificate. Other award winners include Atsu Adonu (1st runner up), Mawuli Kaledzi (2nd runner up), Prosper Bakudie (Best Agric. Staff), Ewulogui Norvisi FBO (Best FBO), Delanyo Dzotefe (Best Crops Officer), Peter Afetsi (Best Veteran farmer), Agartha Amegadzi (Best Female Farmer) and Judith Enam Ahiabu (Best Youth farmer). Among the items received by them includes TVs Set, Cutlasses, Boxes of weedicides, Wellington boots, Knapsack sprayers and Certificates.
