The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC recently reaffirmed its commitment to the agricultural sector by presenting a cheque of GH₵1 million to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) as a prize for the National Best Farmer during the upcoming 2024 National Farmers’ Day. This significant contribution was presented by Mrs. Eno Ofori-Atta, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, during a ceremony held in Accra. Mrs. Ofori-Atta emphasized the bank’s ongoing dedication to supporting initiatives that enable farmers to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change while also enhancing food security in the country. The bank aims to invest in agricultural activities that not only supply raw materials to agro-based industries but also foster job creation, particularly among the youth.
During the cheque presentation, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frempong Addo, gratefully acknowledged the ADB’s longstanding support for the Farmers’ Day initiative, which has been sustained for 39 years. He expressed appreciation for the bank’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the invaluable contributions of farmers in the nation. Furthermore, he revealed that this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration would be held in the Greater Accra Region from November 4th to November 8th, 2024, strategically scheduled before the upcoming elections in December.
The theme for this year’s National Farmers’ Day is “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food and Security,” which addresses the critical issues farmers confront due to the increasing impacts of climate change. Deputy Minister Addo pointed out the urgency of this theme, especially following severe drought conditions experienced in various regions of the country. It highlights the need for resilient farming practices that can withstand the adverse effects of climate changes, thereby ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Farmers’ Day celebrations are anticipated to include a range of engaging activities. There will be an Agri-Fest and an Agri-Exhibition, which aims to showcase a variety of products from research institutions and other stakeholders involved in agriculture. These activities set the stage for collaboration and sharing knowledge about advancements and innovations within the sector. The celebrations will culminate in an awards ceremony, where the achievements of outstanding farmers will be recognized and celebrated.
In addition to the generous donation from ADB, several companies have also contributed to this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration. Among these are Broonest Company, Agriseed Limited, Chemico, Nanam Ventures Limited, RMG Ghana, and Ingreen Irrigation Solutions, which collectively donated assorted items and a financial contribution of GH₵67,500 to the Ministry. This collaborative effort from various stakeholders underscores the collective acknowledgment of the agricultural sector’s significance and the need to celebrate farmers’ contributions to food production and economic development.
In conclusion, the National Farmers’ Day celebration is poised to be a vibrant event that not only highlights the dedication and hard work of farmers but also promotes the importance of climate resilience in agriculture. ADB’s significant financial support and the contributions from various companies reflect a robust partnership between the government, private sector, and agricultural communities, all focused on enhancing the future of agriculture in the face of climate challenges. The upcoming event will serve as a platform for innovation, recognition, and a call to action towards sustainable agricultural practices.
