Mr. Kwasi Asante-Boateng, the Sunyani West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) says the agriculture remains the mainstay of Ghana’s economy and needs to be honoured and supported.

He hinted of government’s efforts to mainstream technology in extension services, create a farmer database, implement tools for soil mapping and disease control to improve service delivery, enhance productivity, and increase profitability.

The MCE was speaking at the 41st national farmers day celebration at Chiraa in the Sunyai West Municipality to honor farmers and acknowledge their vital contributions to the nation’s agricultural sector.

The day was under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.

In all, 16 famers including a female and an Assembly man were awarded in the Municipality.

They took home wheelbarrows, fridges, rakes, knapsacks, cloths, wellington, key soaps, agrochemicals, bicycles, cutlasses, shovel, and a tricycles for the best farmers.

He called on stakeholders to empower farmers with modern agricultural techniques, access to credit, better roads, and storage facilities to boost food production.

Mr. Asante-Boateng noted that climate change, pests, and diseases continued to threaten the agriculture sector, stressing the need for investment in research and development to introduce climate-resilient crop varieties.

He advocated for a robust insurance system to provide farmers with a safety net during adversities, suggesting discussions with insurance companies to protect farmers against uncertainties.

Mr. Asante-Boateng praised farmers for their hard work and encouraged all to take advantage of government initiatives aimed at making farming more lucrative, creating jobs, and increasing productivity.

He announced that 40,000 coconut seedlings have been supplied to farmers in the Municipality through the Coconut Federation of Ghana saying the initiative aims to expand coconut plantation, create jobs for the youth, and increase household income.

Mr. Asante-Boateng urged beneficiaries to adopt best farming practices and care for the seedlings to build a strong coconut industry in the area.

He emphasised the importance of securing the future of agriculture through innovation, mechanization, irrigation, and climate-smart practices.

The MCE encouraged the youth to view agriculture as a profitable business and strengthen collaborations with government, private sector, farmers’ associations, and development partners.