National Farmers’ Day is celebrated to honour and recognise the immeasurable contributions of farmers to the country’s food security and socio-economic growth. The event is celebrated every first Friday of December each year.
The importance of a farmer would is not felt if the products do not get to the final consumer, therefore, it is very important to acknowledge the value chain actors during such national awards celebration.
“We the market women, as well as the Farmers, fishermen, intermediaries (direct marketers), food processors are critical actors in the agricultural value chain, therefore, we should be recognized during the National Farmers Day Celebrations”, the Queen mother of Dome Market, Abena Fosua bemoaned.
Speaking to Agric Today Media the Queen mother said that it is the market women who directly buy farm produce from the farmers in the hinterlands to the cities for consumers, without their intervention the produce could rot at the farm, therefore, they should be recognised when awarding farmers for their contribution to the economy.
She expressed her disappointment for exempting the market women, aggregators, and other stakeholders in the value chain from the national awards.
Zakari Gariba a butcher lamented that the National Farmers Day Celebration does not give true reflection because the celebration leaves out critical players that complete the sector.
Butchers play important role in the livestock sector making every size and quantity of meat and other livestock products available for the consumers.
He appealed to the government to consider and reform the criteria for selection of the Farmers’ Day Awards to include the sector players. These will encourage the youth to do the direct marketing of farm produce.
