Award-winning farmers call on Debrah

Accra, Nov. 28 GNA - Award-winning farmers of the Farmers' Day 2005 have arrived in Accra to take part in a number of activities leading to the grand celebration scheduled for Navrongo on Friday, December 2, 2005.

Prior to their departure on Monday to Tema to visit some agro-processing companies, the gallant farmers, dressed in beautiful white tee-shirts, called on the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Ernest Debrah.

Mr Debrah expressed delight at the growing number of young men and women among the winners, saying it was an indication that agriculture was not being left in the hands of the old. The Minister told the farmers: "Thank you very much. I'm happy the young are picking up farming. If I see young ones in farming, them I know that the young generation is ready to take up farming when the old ones pass away."

Mr Debrah also expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that had donated towards the celebration of the Farmers' Day 2005. The day was instituted in 1985 to recognise the hard work of farmers and fishermen in providing food, feeding agro-industries, providing employment and earning of foreign exchange. While in Tema, the farmers would visit the Tema Cocoa Processing Company, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. Later in the evening they would be hosted to a cocktail at the forecourt of the State House by Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

On Tuesday, the farmers would go on a tour to Akosombo, where they would visit the Volta River Authority (VRA), Volta Lake Transport Company and be treated to a lunch at the VRA. Back in Accra on Tuesday, they would visit Akuafo Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon, and then leave for Navrongo on Wednesday, where they would pay courtesy calls on the Upper East Regional Minister and Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area and visit agricultural establishments and places of interest.

This year's celebration is on the theme: "Agricultural Production and Productivity, The Key to Growth and Poverty Reduction." Meanwhile, companies continue to donate towards the Farmers' Day celebration. On Monday, Unilever donated 100 cartons of key soap and 20 million cedis cheque; NODECO International Ghana Limited donated two motorcycles worth 27 million cedis; Mpact Ghana Limited, donated four cartons of Mpact non-acidic agricultural manure worth 4.5 million cedis; Fan Milk Limited gave 15 million cedis and Pioneer Food Company donated a quantity of canned tuna flakes.