Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr. Tanko Bagbara has given the firm assurance that preparations are feverishly ongoing towards the successful celebrations of this year’s National Farmers’ Day.
The event which is the 33rd edition since its introduction in 1986 is scheduled to be held from Friday, November 24 to Friday December 1st, 2017 across the various districts of the country.
Speaking in an interview with host of Rite FM’s Morning Ride, Captain Adabuga on Thursday to highlight arrangements put in place so far for a successful observation of the day, the PRO said that technical committees were working on the ground and their findings and recommendations will be forwarded.
“Technical committees have been formed which are working on the grounds and their findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the national headquarters in Accra for assessment,” he disclosed.
The PRO also enumerated a number of events that are going to precede the Grande event on December 1st including regional Agric shows from the 24th of November.
He added that the event which is going to be done in the various regions will on each day focus on two regions simultaneously to showcase their produce in terms of Agricultural products, Agric chemicals, and agric technology among others.
Mr. Bagbara also acknowledged the role of corporate bodies that supported the successful organization of the National Farmers’ Day in earlier years and said they are still supporting the event.
“Companies, Cooperate bodies and individuals that supported the successful organization of the National Farmers’ Day in previous years in cash and kind are still supporting the Farmers’ Day celebrations and we are looking forward for more companies to come on board so that we can handsomely reward our farmers,” he said.
Selection criteria
Mr. Tanko Bagbara also catalogued the various criteria employed in determining winners of the various categories of the Farmers’ Day.
The various criteria include: Extension Agency – Farmer Relationship, Agronomic practices to farming standards, record keeping and finally, Diversification.
He therefore underscored the need for farmers to work with the extension officers to enhance their education on acceptable farming practices so that they can be educated on what to and not do for their own good and goodness of the country and beyond.
Origin of National Farmers’ Day
“Farmers’ Day” was instituted by the Government in 1985 in recognition of the vital role farmers and fishers play in the economy especially the highly commendable output of farmers and fishermen in 1984, (about 30% growth), after the bad agricultural years of 1982 and 1983. The day is thus celebrated to motivate them to produce more.
The first National Farmers’ Day was celebrated on Friday, December 1986, at Osino in the Eastern Region.
The package to the first best farmer was made up of two Machetes, a pair of Wellington boots and a preset radio. Ever since, the value of the awards has improved from year to year, moving from bicycle to power tillers to tractors, to pick-ups and presently to a 3-bedroom house since 2002.
The 33rd National Farmers’ Day was launched on the 16th of August 2017 at the forecourt of the MOFA, Head Office in Accra. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Planting for Food and Jobs.’
Source: Prince Paul Amuzu/ritefmonline.org/princeamuzu667@gmail.com
