The National Farmers’ day 2021, which happens to be the 37th National Farmer’s Day is dubbed with the theme “Planting for Food and Jobs – Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana.”
National Farmers’ day 2021 was launched by the Chairman of the Council of State & Paramount Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Siriboe II at a short ceremony at the Forecourt of Ministry of Food and Agriculture Head Office, Accra on Wednesday 29th September 2021.
National farmers’ day 2021 began on November 29, 2021, with an Agricultural Fair, Exhibition, and Regional Focus Days and climaxed with a Grand Durbar and Award Ceremony on Friday, December 2021.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II emphasised that Agriculture offers greater returns to all those who venture into the sector, particularly the youth.
“What we must appreciate is that agriculture has moved from being a subsistence activity to a more commercial enterprise with greater returns awaiting those who are bold to venture into it with a business orientation,” Nana Otuo Siriboe II said.
“This fallacy has to be corrected based on the current global trend and the reality confronting us. I, therefore, urge the government and the private sector to push this agenda aggressively by highlighting the opportunities and creating the enabling environment to get the youth attracted to agriculture as a source of livelihood,” he further stated.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II also commended the efforts of farmers and fishermen despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that food was put on the table of Ghanaians during a time when the immune system was most important in combating the COVID virus.
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National Farmers’ Day 2021 – Award Winners
Held at the Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast, the National Farmers’ Day 2021 witnessed 165 farmers and fishermen being awarded at the ceremony. Below is the list of the big winners
Alhaji Mohammed Madhud – National Best Farmer
Prize
For his dedication and hard work, the 44-year-old Alhaji Mohammed Madhud from the Northern Region won GH¢600,000 cash and a GH¢500,000 worth of insurance cover from GLICO Insurance, and a study trip to Israel sponsored by Broadspectrum Limited. He also received an offer of a two-bedroom flat at any location of his choice in the country.
Sulemana Yidana – first runner-up
Prize
Sulemana Yidana from the North East Region received, a tractor and disc plough, GH¢300,000 insurance cover, a study trip to Israel and a Boom sprayer.
Rev Samuel Sida – second runner-up
Prize
Rev Samuel Sida from the Ahafo Region also received a Nissan Navara Double Cabin Pick-Up and a GH¢200,000 insurance cover.
Mr Kweku Ehun – Best fisherman
Prize
Mr Kweku Ehun from Gomoa East district of the Central Region received a two-bedroom house to be built at a location of his choice.
History of National Farmer’s Day
Farmer’s Day is a day set aside annually to celebrate the many contributions of farmers, fishermen, and agriculturers. It is observed by many countries on December 23. In Ghana, however, the day is observed on the first Friday of December.
It was instituted by Jerry John Rawlings-led Provisional National Defence Council in 1985 as a result of the 30% growth of the farming industry in the previous year.
Ghana suffered severe drought in the 1980s, which led to widespread starvation and malnutrition. 1984 witnessed the end of the drought with the country slowly recovering, thus beginning the celebrations, which has since been observed on the first Friday of every December to recognize the contribution of farmers to national development.
