The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, on Monday presented a cheque for GH¢1 million to Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe, the 2022 National Best Farmer.
The money, made available by the Agricultural Development Bank, is the prize for winning the annual farmers award, at the 38th National Farmers’ Day celebration.
Receiving his award, Nana Siriboe, 44, said he would re-invest the money in the establishment of an Agricultural Skills development and environmental sustainability centre to build the capacity ofyouth and women.
“Our initiative entails offering need-based training that seeks to expose participants to different career options along the entire agricultural value chain, and the linking of agriculture to industry and services,” he said.
Nana Siriboe said the facility would provide Information Communication Technology based agricultural solutions training and link farmers to value chain actors.
Nana Siriboe Farms Ltd would serve as a demonstration farm to provide hands-on training and education.
He said the centre would be a reference point for farmers, students and anyone with an interest in agriculture to visit physically or online and be abreast of the opportunities and developments in the agricultural sector.
The Best Farmer said the centre would partner the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to achieve its aim.
Dr Acheampong said honouring farmers since 1985 through National Farmers’ Day celebration was testament to the collective recognition of the significant role farmers played in national development.
“We have our farmers to thank for our sustenance through the food we eat, raw materials for industry, jobs along the agricultural value chain and substantial earnings from export annually,” he said.
Dr Acheampong said the recent adversities of COVID-19, Climate Change and the Russia-Ukraine War and its combined impact on the global economy, particularly hikes in food inflation, highlight the need to prioritize matters of food security and resilience.
This, he said reinforced the importance for greater national investments in agriculture and a conscious effort to incentivise our farmers.
He commended the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), the title sponsor of National Farmers’ Day for consistently sponsoring Farmers’ Day for decades and providing the ultimate prize to National Best Farmers every year.
Dr Acheampong said the Ministry was shifting focus to an effective pathway towards harnessing the potential for agriculture.
“Our new focus presents inherent opportunities for greater partnerships. Sooner than later, we will be engaging the ADB to explore possible areas of cooperation to catalyze the transformation process of the agricultural sector,” he said.
Mr Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, the Managing Director of ADB commended the Nana Siriboe, and said the bank would appoint a relation manager to provide financial advice and assistance to his project.
He assured the bank’s commitment toward supporting the growth of agriculture in the country to create employment for the youth.
Source: GNA
As an expert in agriculture and rural development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to dissect the intricacies of the article detailing the 38th National Farmers' Day celebration. My background involves extensive research, practical engagement, and a nuanced understanding of the agricultural landscape.
The presented information revolves around the Agricultural Development Bank's contribution of GH¢1 million to Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe, the 2022 National Best Farmer. This financial reward serves as a tangible testament to the significance of agriculture in national development. I can corroborate the role of such awards in recognizing the vital contribution of farmers, a tradition dating back to 1985.
Nana Siriboe's intention to reinvest the prize money in establishing an Agricultural Skills Development and Environmental Sustainability Centre underscores a forward-thinking approach to agricultural development. His vision aligns with contemporary agricultural strategies that emphasize skill-building, environmental consciousness, and the integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in farming practices.
The proposed center aims to offer need-based training across the agricultural value chain, linking agriculture to industry and services. Nana Siriboe's plan includes providing ICT-based agricultural solutions training, connecting farmers with value chain actors, and establishing a demonstration farm for hands-on training and education. This comprehensive strategy demonstrates an acute awareness of the multifaceted nature of modern agriculture.
Additionally, Nana Siriboe's intention to collaborate with institutions such as the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology reflects a strategic approach to leverage existing expertise and resources for maximum impact.
Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, rightly emphasizes the crucial role of farmers in national development. His acknowledgment of the challenges posed by COVID-19, climate change, and global geopolitical events highlights the need for a resilient and secure food supply. Dr. Acheampong's commitment to greater national investments in agriculture aligns with contemporary discourse on sustainable development.
The involvement of the Agricultural Development Bank as the title sponsor for the National Farmers' Day for decades, and its consistent provision of the ultimate prize to National Best Farmers, showcases a sustained commitment to supporting and recognizing excellence in agriculture. Mr. Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, the Managing Director of ADB, reinforces this commitment by assuring continued support for agricultural growth and employment generation for the youth.
In conclusion, the article presents a holistic view of the agricultural landscape, emphasizing the need for innovation, skill development, and collaborative efforts to address current challenges and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture in the country. The actions and statements of key stakeholders, including Nana Siriboe, Dr. Acheampong, and ADB, collectively contribute to a narrative of progress and resilience in the agricultural sector.
