FARMERS DAY CELEBRATED

The West Gonja District of the Northern Region joined the rest of the country to celebrate this year's Farmers Day.

Addressing Farmers on the occasion the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that Farming still remains the mainstay of the National Economy, adding that, it remains the most singular attractive and important sector that engages the attention of every government no matter its ideological or political persuasion or belief.

Speaking under the theme "Grow More Food". the DCE stated that Agriculture Sector contributes about 37.3% to the country's gross Domestic Product, 30% of its export earnings and employs over 60% of the country's workforce.

He said the recent introduction of the Youth in Agricultural Programme, otherwise known as the Block farming clearly demonstrates that, if Agriculture is given the necessary push, Ghana could be in the high income group in the next few years.

The DCE pointed out that, the people of West Gonja have been luckly to be part of the pilot programme and all beneficiaries will attest to fact that the programme was so successful that, it brough about memories of the past where Damongo was a major player in maize production in this counctry.

He revealed that, the district put into cultivation 20.026 acres of maize, 180 acres of rice and 155 acres of soyabeans.

He said it was the hope of the government that, these interventions would bring the people out of the poverty line and his expevtations from farmers is that they will be committed and honest in order to sustain the programme.

What government expect form farmers is also to be committed and honest so that together we can succeed.

He told memebrs that, Government was committed seriously to Agriculture Promotion and to lessen the burden of farmers and increase yield in agriculture production, Government have imported tractors and combine harvesters.

This he said is aim at encouraging mechanized farming in the country of which Damongo have also benefited.

He unveiled five intervention programmes in the District which government through the ministry of agriculture is implementing. These were Nerica rice dissemination Project, the Northern rural growth Project, Livestock development Project, Cashew Development Project and Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programe (RTIMP).

The DCE mentioned poor road network, lack of good storage facilities, the high farmer-extension officer ratio etc. as some of the challenges that make it difficult for some of the farmers to take advantage of the numerous interventions mentioned.

He informed the people that, Government have successfully sourced for funding to work on the Fufulso Junction-Damongo-Sawla Road.

He hoped that as we make headway on this major road, the Assembly will also pay attention to opening the interior part of the District.

He told the youth that agriculture was a lucrative venture hence they should involved themeselves actively so that Ghana can grow more food.

He fnally congratulated all Farmers for their immense contribution to the growth of our country's economy.