A cross section of the public including curious visitors, students, researchers and tourists visited the stands of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) at the ongoing 37th National Farmers Day and Exhibition being held in the Central Regional capital, Cape Coast.

The week-long exhibition will be climaxed on Friday December 3 with a grand durbar to honour Ghanaian farmers and Cattle rearers who distinguished themselves during the farming season and whose contribution helped the country to avert hunger or food shortage.

NAFCO is among more than 100 firms made up of commercial farms, agro chemical firms, fertiliser 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”.

As the leading agency for food security, NAFCO manages strategic food reserve for the country in addition to supplying food to state institutions.

The company also contributes to post harvest loses by purchasing from farmers at the farm gates.

Currently, NAFCO supplies food to senior high schools under the free SHS programme, Pantang Hospital and the University of Ghana among others.

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.