Northern Regional Director of Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr William Boakye-Acheampong says it is regrettable that, some sections of Ghanaian population still perceive agriculture to be dirty and only meant for the aged and illiterates in the society.
He described such mentality by some Ghanaians as unfortunate and reminded those in that line of thinking that there is dignity in farming.
Speaking at the 30th national farmer’s day celebration in Tamale, Mr Boakye-Acheampong urged famers to use the day to reflect and take stock of their performance during year and plan for the coming years.
National farmer’s day is day set aside for Ghanaians to take a sober reflection on major contribution to farmers make towards national development.
Out of 7 million hectares total land area of the region, 4.9 million hectares representing 70% of the total land area is viable for the production of kind of food crops. However, only about 900, 000hectares of the viable land is currently under crop production and therefore the potential to expand exists.
Northern regional William Boakye-Acheampong said the region has no excuse to be food insecure because of natural and human resources available.
Dry farming according to MOFA director is gaining roots in the region and availability of dams, dug-outs, the Volta lake, river Dakar, river Oti are huge potentials that when efficiently tapped will enhance vegetable production and improve the living standards of farmers.
In all, seventeen (17) deserving farmers were awarded for the various roles they play in ensuring food security in the region. Five farmers in the region also receive national awards.
They include; National best butternut farmer, national best soya bean farmer, national best Animal traction farmer, national best inland canoe fisher and national best agriculture extension agent.
Best Tamale metro farmer went to Issahaku Seidu from Kudula. This year’s national farmers day celebration was on the theme; ’’Eat What We Grow’’.
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