The Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive (DCE), Honourable Gerard Ataogye has assured farmers that government will continue to do all it can to ensure sustainable food security in Ghana.

According to the DCE, this plan will be realized by working with development partners and non-governmental organizations in channeling all resources and expertise towards food security through the implementation of various climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Honourable Ataogye gave the assurance while addressing farmers at the 40th Farmers’ Day Celebrations held at the Mirigu Primary School Park  which was on the theme, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security”.

He observed that the theme was very apt not only for food security for the country but will also go a long way to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns that will then lead to increased yields, ensuring consistent food productivity as well as increased livestock productivity.

Mr. Emmanuel Azukwari from the Kayoro-Wuru Community emerged as the Overall Best District Farmer. He received a brand new Motor King Tricycle and other items as his prize. In all, a total of 16 hardworking farmers across the District were awarded

The DCE said that Ghana’s agricultural sector contributes largely to the country’s economy; providing employment and livelihoods for about 40 percent of the country’s population.

He noted however that, despite its importance, this critical sector remains vulnerable to drought, excessive rainfalls, floods, wildfires and other potentially devastating events caused by climate change that affects the sustainability of food security for the country.

“Farmers who are the backbone of the economy then struggle to adapt to these changes and thus, the urgent need for all stakeholders to support  the government in its agenda at promoting climate-resilient agriculture practices.”, He added.

Honourable Ataogye disclosed that some interventions were made this year to boost farming in the country and that, over 200,000 farmers received grants in various forms from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture while under the phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme, some 9,111 bags of fertilizer were distributed as grants to 4, 641 farmers in the District.

He said that additionally, through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Project, 5,280 bags of NPK and 2,100 bags of UREA fertilizers were also distributed to 2,088 farmers across some 11 communities in the District.

The DCE further explained that the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small Scale Mining Project also extended a fertilizer package of 1,092 NPK and 548 UREA to 648 beneficiary farmers in seven (7) communities in the District.

Honourable Gerard Ataogye used the occasion to acknowledge individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful organization of the 40^th Farmers Day Celebration in the District. These included the Naara Rural Bank, ORGIIS Ghana, NABOCADO, CARVNET, the Ghana Cocoa Board, Abedi Enterprise, Samuel Welaga Enterprise, AK Water and Mr. Robert A. Alou.

On his part, the Kassena-Nankana West Director of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Mohammed Bukari commended some selected communities and farmers for their sterling efforts in sustaining the Care and Growth Seedlings Project under the Riparian Vegetation Intervention Programme with a total of 20, 000 mahogany and cassia seedlings distributed; 10,000 for each of the species. Some of the communities included Boania, Kumbusingo, Batiu, Gonum and Aguwoko.

He revealed that during the period, his officers visited several farms and homes, with a total of 47, 671 farmers benefiting from education on the fall armyworm, soil and moisture conservation techniques, HIV/AIDS education, post-harvest management and proper animal husbandry practices among others.

Mr. Mohammed Bukari said that the Department in collaboration with the World Vision also trained 25 communities through the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration Programme; a strategy which encourages pruning and pollarding of existing trees and shrubs instead of complete felling.

Source: Peter Atogewe Wedam, Kassena-Nankana West District Information Officer