In preparation for this year’s Farmers’ Day celebrations, rescheduled to November 8 due to the upcoming general elections, districts across the Upper East Region are set to honor hardworking farmers and fisherfolk for their contributions to the agricultural sector.
Speaking to Mark Smith on A1 Radio, Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, the Upper East Regional Director for the Department of Food and Agriculture, confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed for the event.
According to him, the region has held a series of preparatory meetings across all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure smooth organization. As part of the process, each Agricultural Extension Agent (AEA) was tasked with nominating hardworking farmers, followed by assessments to select awardees.
These selected individuals will be honored during the celebration in their respective districts.
“Each AEA nominates a hardworking farmer, and a committee is formed to conduct assessments. I can say that the nominated farmers have been assessed, and we have earmarked our hardworking farmers and fisherfolk for awards.”
Despite financial constraints this year, the Department has made efforts to provide practical support for farmers. At the national level, some essential items, including tricycles, sprayers, and wellington boots, have been dispatched to support farmers and fisherfolk.
“At the national level, they have sent some tricycles, sprayers, wellington boots, and some half-piece cloths to support the farmers,” Mr. Fuseini shared.
However, Mr. Fuseini acknowledged that limited resources prevented the distribution of more substantial items like canoes, nets, and other farming tools, which would have ideally helped enhance productivity.
“We are not in normal times. The resources are not there,” he said.
Looking ahead to the celebration, Mr. Fuseini emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work of farmers and encouraged them to participate despite the challenges. He reminded them that Farmers’ Day is a special occasion to celebrate their profession and urged them to take pride in their contributions to feeding the nation.
“We support life on the planet. Without food, we can’t live. As much as people want to recognize them, farmers should come out in their numbers. They shouldn’t feel discouraged if they aren’t receiving awards; it’s a day set aside to congratulate us, so we must be proud of our profession.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
