E/R: Abuakwa North Celebrates 40th National Farmers' Day with Emphasis on Climate-Resilient Agriculture

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The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, under the leadership of Honourable Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, marked the 40th National Farmers' Day celebration in Sokode-Juaso, Eastern Region, under the theme "Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security."


Representing President Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bodinga highlighted the government's commitment to supporting farmers, emphasizing their critical role in national economic growth. He acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, such as rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns, which adversely affect crop yields and livestock production. He noted that the government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, is working to strengthen the agricultural sector with projects aimed at enhancing food security and resilience.

Dr. Bodinga outlined various government initiatives benefiting local farmers, including the distribution of 124,000 oil palm seedlings under the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) program, 42,000 coconut seedlings through the Minerals Commission, and subsidies of fertilizers and maize seedlings under the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. He added that 50 youth have received training in aquaculture, with startup equipment ready for distribution, and that 517 cocoa farms across 470 hectares have been rehabilitated in the municipality.

He encouraged local chiefs to provide land access to young farmers, urged community members to support local produce, and advocated for environmental conservation through tree planting and the prevention of water pollution and illegal mining. Dr. Bodinga also called for peace and order in the municipality leading up to the December 2024 general elections.

The celebration was chaired by the Chief of Sokode-Juaso, Barima Dr. Awuah Parker I, who urged farmers to adopt modern farming techniques, including irrigation and the use of technology, to mitigate the impact of climate change. He also called on banks to reduce interest rates for farmers, facilitating greater access to funding for sustainable agriculture.


The event recognized Mr. Ayitey Humphrey, a 63-year-old from Akyem Osiem, as the Municipal Overall Best Farmer. Driven by a passion for agriculture, Mr. Humphrey has developed a successful enterprise in tree planting, maize, vegetables, livestock, and cocoa. He encouraged young people to pursue agriculture as a viable path to socio-economic development.


Other awardees included Florence Oppong as Municipal Best Woman Farmer, McKeon James as Municipal Best Youth Farmer, Prince Charles Nketia as Municipal Best Physically Challenged Farmer, Samuel Tetteh as Municipal Best Crop Farmer, Agnes Adu as Municipal Best Vegetable Farmer, Margaret Appiah as Municipal Best Poultry Farmer, Fuseini Illiyasu as Municipal Best Livestock Farmer, Belinda Abayateye as Municipal Best Agro Processor, Emmanuel Korboe as Municipal Best Non-Traditional Farmer, Samuel Ofori Adu - Twum as Municipal Best Aquaculture Farmer, Apolo Mark as Municipal Best Innovative Farmer, Nyame Nsawom as Municipal Best FBO, St. Paul’s Technical School as Municipal Best School in Agriculture, and Isaac Amissah as Municipal Best Agric. Extension Agent (AEA).

All the awardees were honored with various agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, knapsacks, and TV sets, while the ultimate winner, Mr. Humphrey, also received a tricycle in addition and Florence Oppong, Municipal Best Women Farmer receiving a double decker fridge from Hon Dr Gifty Twum-Ampofo, Abuakwa North Member of Parliament. In a gesture of support, Barima Dr. Awuah Parker I pledged to provide chicks to the best Municipal female poultry farmer, Margaret Appiah. The event celebrated the hard work and dedication of local farmers, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and adaptation to climate challenges.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare 

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