The Akrofuom District Assembly in the Ashanti region has adjudged Mr. Morro Fuseini as the best farmer at the 39th Farmers’ Day Celebration.
A total of sixteen individuals received recognition during the ceremony, comprising 14 outstanding farmers, one cocoa officer and the best agricultural staff.
Hailing from Adamso-Nyamebekyere, Mr. Morro Fuseini, 53, with an impressive 25 years of farming experience, manages a diverse agricultural enterprise.
His achievements include a 14-acre palm plantation, 3 acres of cassava and plantain farms, as well as a cocoa plantation.
In recognition of his dedication and contribution to agriculture in the district, Mr. Morro Fuseini was presented with a motor tricycle, 2 knapsack sprayers, 10 cutlasses, a 40-inch television and 12 pieces of clothing.
At the Durbar, held at Takyikrom, the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, Alex Blankson highlighted the importance of Farmers’ Day celebrations – recognising farmers, motivating them with awards and showcasing government’s support for their vital contribution to the economy.
Blankson admonished farmers in the district to take advantage of the Agric intervention programs that the government has introduced, including the recently launched Phase II of the planting for food and jobs program.
He urged farmers to stay motivated, work harder after receiving awards and avoid complacency. This, he noted, would increase their chances of being nominated and winning in future Farmers’ Day events.
The Akrofuom MP further revealed ongoing support from the District Assembly to provide coconut seedlings to farmers every year.
He also noted the contributions from the Minerals Development Fund, which is supplying palm nut seedlings to farmers.
Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode, the District Chief Executive for Akrofuom, emphasised the district’s significant contribution to the COCOBOD warehouse in Obuasi. He called for support from the COCOBOD in cocoa production in the district.
Recognising farming as humanity’s first task from God, Dr.Woode expressed gratitude to farmers for their vital role, especially in ensuring food security during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He emphasised the crucial role farming plays in providing financial support and contributing to national development.
Despite the prevailing negative perception of farming, he highlighted the government’s efforts to make agriculture more lucrative through initiatives like Planting for Food and Jobs.
He added that with the introduction of Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II (PFJ 2.0), the focus is on facilitating farmers’ access to quality seedlings, farming implements, financial support and improved marketing opportunities.
Mr Woode urged public participation in PFJ 2.0, stressing that it has the potential to increase food production for both domestic consumption and export.
The government’s Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) program in Akrofuom district has distributed 75,200 coconut and 165,000 palm tree seedlings for free.
Maurice Jonas Woode highlighted on the need for widespread participation to ensure an abundance of coconut and palmtrees in the next three years.
The DCE encouraged youth participation in E-Jobs4All, a program launched by the National Alternative Employment and Livelihoods Programme for Illegal Miners (NAELP), to counter illegal mining.
“Market infrastructure is being developed across the district with a significant one in Takyikrom, similar to the structure in Akrofuom, facilitating the sale of farming products. Infrastructure improvements, including road construction aim to ease transportation of farm products”, he stressed.
The Akrofuom DCE added that Agric Extension officers have been deployed to assist farmers, particularly the youth, and deliver farming inputs.
As a farmer himself, he emphasised the financial importance of growing coconuts, especially on lands affected by mining activities. He expressed gratitude to the MP for supporting farmers in the district.
The District Director of Agriculture, Richard Amo Koranteng, on his part said the theme for this year’s edition: “Delivering smart solutions for sustainable food security and resilience,” reflects government’s commitment to the success of Agriculture.
He mentioned the government’s “Planting for Export and Rural Development” initiative and the independent efforts of local leaders to plant and share 10,000 seedlings annually.
Donors, including government initiatives and institutions like the Minerals Development Fund, contributed 52,000 coconuts and 82,000 oil palm seedlings.
Sixteen individuals were awarded based on fair assessments, emphasising hard work and increased food production.
Farmers were encouraged to collaborate with extension officers for successful cultivation.
Taking his turn at the event, a visibly elated Morro Fuseini, the District Best Farmer, encouraged the youth to embrace farming, highlighting the benefits he has gained. Moro pledged to provide advice and support to young individuals interested in farming.
