Agriculture would for the foreseeable future remain the centre of economic development and general prosperity of the country, Dr Adams Nuhu, Awutu Senya East Municipal Chief Executive, has said.

According him, government’s commitment to modernising agriculture by the introduction of various interventions is to ensure sustainable growth to save the country from overlying on oil as the main source of revenue for development.

Dr Nuhu was addressing farmers Day at Opeiman in the Municipality on the theme: “Reducing Post-harvest losses for sustainable food security and nutrition.”

Mr George Zartey was adjudged the overall best Municipal farmer and received a bicycle, a table top refrigerator, a pair of Wellington boot and other farm inputs. More than 10 individuals and institutions including the Awutu Prison Camp were also honoured for excelling in various agriculture-related endeavours.

Dr Nuhu said the Ghana Food Storage Company introduced in 2009 by the government has brought about a drastic reduction in post-harvest losses in the country.

He said the company buys foodstuff especially grains from farmers at reasonable prices, store them and resell them in the local market centres during the lean season.

Dr Nuhu said this has actually reduced food inflation over the years and ultimately ensured food security.

“I am also told that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has developed a scheme to assist small holder farmers to invest into post-harvest losses control through extension officers. The scheme ensures that our farm produce reach the market in quality and competitive form to attract the needed patronage.”

He mentioned the fertiliser subsidy programme and the construction and rehabilitation of local roads from the hinterlands to major market centres as some of the interventions being pushed by government to modernise and boost agriculture.