Nwoase (B/A) Nov. 6, GNA - Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister on Friday called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to intensify education of farmers and fishermen on the correct use of pesticides and other agro-chemicals as well as the proper handling and storage of food items to save the public from contaminated food on the market.
He was speaking at the Regional farmers' day celebration at Nwoase near Wenchi in the Brong-Ahafo Region.
The Regional farmers day celebration, which was on the theme: "food safety and improved nutrition for a healthy and active nation" was fused together with Wenchi and Tain districts' celebration.
He explained that the burden of food borne-disease was significant since it endangers the health of consumers and therefore, stressed the urgent need to strengthen and monitor food safety in the country. Nana Seinti indicated that the uncontrolled and abusive application of agricultural chemicals, environmental degradation and contamination as well as the use of poisonous and unauthorized additives was a threat to human life.
He therefore, appealed to farmers, who engage in vegetable gardening and use contaminated water to cultivate their crops, especially in the urban areas to desist from such practices. Mr. Richard Assah Dartey, Brong-Ahafo Deputy Director of MOFA stressed the need for farmers to increase their farm produce in order to make food abundant in the country to guarantee any future crisis. He spoke against bush burning, which he said, is one of the factors that contributed to famine and implored traditional rulers within the Tain and Wenchi districts to use their respected status to help curtail the situation.
He was not happy about Fulanis, who allowed their cattle to forage and destroy farms within some communities in the area.
Nana Kofi Drobo III, Nwoasehene of the Nwoase traditional area who chaired the function appealed to political party supporters to conduct their campaigns devoid of inflammatory language to ensure peaceful elections.
Earlier, in a welcoming address Mr. Joe Danquah, Wenchi District Chief Executive (DCE) stressed government commitment and preparedness to enhance the living standard of farmers and advised farmers to work hard to enhance food production in the country.
Mr. Kwasi Kyeremeh, 58 from Abronsra near Dormaa was adjudged the best Regional Farmer and was awarded a corn mill machine, a sewing machine, a ghetto blaster tape, six cutlasses, one piece of cloth and 3 Wellington boots.
Mr. Joshua Osei was also adjudged the best farmer in Wenchi and Tain districts and was awarded with a piece of cloth, spraying machine, 7 cutlasses, and 3 Wellington boots.
Other 14 and 27 deserving farmers from the Region and the districts received awards.
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