The 33rd National Farmers’ Day celebration is underway in Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi.

Marked on the first Friday in December every year, the National Farmers’ Day was instituted by the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) government in 1985 in recognition of the vital role farmers and fishermen played in the economy.

Under the theme, “Planting for Food and Jobs”, this year’s edition, according to Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, is re-modelled to reflect and showcase better contribution of the farmers and fisher folks as well as the developments in the agriculture sector.

About 90 farmers are expected to be honoured for their immense contribution towards the development of the agricultural sector at the national event being held at the Heroes Park near the Baba Yara Sports stadium.

A Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Sagre Bambangi, has disclosed that the 2017 National Best Farmer will receive an amount of US$100,000 as prize.

He noted that the planning committee, veered off the usual practice of awarding a three-bedroom house worth US$100,000 to the overall best farmer.

President Akufo-Addo as well as a number of other state dignitaries will be present to grace the occasion.