Farmers and fishermen in the West Gonja Municipality in the Savannah Region have been urged to undergo an attitudinal change and prepare their minds to adapt to the current technological changes in the agriculture sector.

The statement, aimed at encouraging farmers to embrace government initiatives and maximize their productivity, also urges them to take advantage of the Ghana Landscape Restoration Small Scale Mining Project and expand their production in the coming farming seasons.

The West Gonja Municipal Assembly, together with its development partners, marked this year's National Farmers' Day at Grupe, a suburb of West Gonja, with the theme, "Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience."

The West Gonja Municipal Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Mumuni Ibrahim, has called on farmers to develop a new attitude towards farming.

"Farmers should undergo an attitudinal change and prepare their minds to go along with the current technological changes introduced into the agriculture sector," the Municipal Agric Director said.

He mentioned that, apart from supporting 250 farmers in five communities to produce soybeans, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will construct five new dams to enhance productivity in the Municipality.

He also highlighted challenges such as inadequate credit facilities for farmers, destruction of farm fields by nomadic herdsmen, and the lack of mechanization centers, including the high cost of inputs.

The Municipal Chief Executive of West Gonja, Karim Musah Kusubari, encouraged farmers to take advantage of the phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, especially considering the world's rapid population growth.

"Planting for Food and Jobs intervention has positive outcomes for farmers in this Municipality. For instance, the average yield for maize has increased from 1.6 metric tonnes per hectare in 2016 to 3.35 in 2022 with the use of improved seeds.

"These have seen an increase in farmers' income and improved their livelihoods. I, therefore, urge farmers who are yet to switch from traditional farming methods to embrace modern farming practices, such as the use of improved planting materials, to better their livelihoods," Karim Musah Kusubari insisted.

Seventeen gallant farmers were awarded for their contributions towards the country's food security.

Fifty-nine-year-old Amadu Braimah was adjudged the best municipal farmer, taking home a brand new motorcycle, a packet of zinc, Wellington boots, and fertilizer, among other prizes.

Sanda Mahama, the second runner-up, received a packet of zinc, Wellington boots, and two bags of fertilizer, among other items. Forty-eight-year-old Madam Alhassan Sala was adjudged the best municipal female farmer, receiving a packet of zinc, Wellington boots, two cutlasses, and a full piece of cloth.

In an interview with Myjoyonline, the female best farmer expressed the challenges faced as a female farmer but expressed satisfaction in being recognized as the best female farmer. She emphasized the need for access to tractor services, stating, "It's hard to get them here."