A forty-four-year-old farmer from the Northern Region, Alhaji Mohammed Mashud has been adjudged the 2021 National Best Farmer.
The 37th National Farmers’ Day was held at the Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast, on December 3.
The event which was graced by President Akufo-Addo was on the theme, “Planting for Food and Jobs – Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana.”
Alhaji Mashud won a cash prize of GH¢600,000 sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank and a GH¢500,000 insurance cover from GLICO Life.
Wearing a three-piece Agbada and a cap, and accompanied by his wife and well-wishers, had the honour of receiving his prize from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The first Runner-up, Suleman Yidana, from the North East Region, received a tractor-trailer, GH¢200,000 insurance cover, a study trip to Israel, a sprayer, and a disc plough.
The second Runner-up from the Ahafo Region, Rev. Samuel Sida, received a Nissan Navara pickup and GH¢200,000 insurance cover.
Best Fisher
Kweku Ehun, 53, of the Gomoa East District in the Central Region, emerged the National Best Fisher.
For the first time in the history of the award scheme, the best fisher received a two-bedroom house to be built at a location of his choice.
In all, 165 farmers and fishermen from across the country received national honours.
The best farmer said it was important that the government worked to accelerate efforts at mechanising agriculture to make the sector more attractive for the youth.
“Farmers need all the support to produce more to feed the nation and reduce food importation”, he said, after receiving the prize.
For his part, Mr. Ehun called for stringent efforts at stopping all forms of illegalities in the fisheries sector to sustain the industry.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri