37th National Farmers Day: Agric minister, other dignitaries visit GNECS stands
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, the Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II and many other dignitaries visited the stands of the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat (GNECS) at the ongoing 37th National Farmers Day and Exhibition being held in the Central Regional capital, Cape Coast.
Over 1000 individuals, including curious visitors, students, researchers and tourists, who also visited GNECS stands were served with various kinds of egg dish on day one of the exhibition. Many more people are expected to benefit from this free gesture throughout the exhibition.
The week-long exhibition will be climaxed on Friday December 3 with a grand durbar to honour Ghanaian farmers and animal rearers who distinguished themselves during the farming season and whose contribution helped the country to avert hunger or food shortage.
GNECS is among over 100 firms made up of commercial farms, agro chemical firms, fertilizer companies, financial institutions, and state food-related and scientific research institutions exhibiting their products and services during the 5-day period.
The annual event is also intended to promote networking, patronage and institutional collaborations and partnerships.
This year’s theme is “Planting for Food and Jobs; Consolidating Food Systems in Ghana”.
Read also: Add eggs to school feeding programme-GNECS advocates
Not only did the patrons benefit from eating dishes made from eggs, but the GNECS also employed the services of a nutritionist from the Ghana Health Service who provided free education on the benefits of consuming eggs regularly. Flyers containing information of egg and egg consumption were also distributed.
As the leading institution marketing the consumption of eggs, GNECS aims to expand the trade in eggs, create awareness through myth busting and education on the benefits eggs and encourage the consumption of eggs.
Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat was established when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Soy bean Association (ASA) funded project-AMPLIFIES came to a close in 2019.
The stakeholders in the Poultry Value Chain decided to continue the National Eggs campaign that was started by AMPLIFIES. This saw the birth of GNECS which is being governed by representation
from 13 stakeholder groups.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo is expected to award and decorate Best National Farmers at the programme on Friday.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Omanhene of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area, Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim VI entreated traditional rulers to make lands available to aid large scale farming in order to promote agriculture in the country.
Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan praised farmers for their relentless strive to feed the nation.
Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II also lauded farmers for contributing to ensure food security while ensuring 30% of the country’s net food export.
The 5-day Agricultural Fair and Trade Exhibition was opened by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
