Former President Jerry Rawlings is urging Ghanaian youths “to do away with negative stereotypes about farming and embrace it wholeheartedly for the economic good of Ghana.” In a congratulatory message to Ghanaian farmers who will be celebrated on Friday, December 3, on the occasion of the 27th National Farmers Day, Rawlings said he joins all Ghanaians “to salute the tireless efforts and sacrifices of Ghanaian Farmers, even in the face of challenges confronting Ghana's agriculture. “Your daily toil, under very trying conditions provides our national food needs, raw materials for our industry and export commodities for the needed Foreign Exchange Receipts. “You, indeed, are the great pillars of this country.” Rawlings recalled how under his watch in the PNDC era, the vital role farmers play in economic development was recognized and the first Friday of December, annually, was designated as National Farmers Day to appreciate and reward the immense contributions of the hard working Ghanaian farmers. But he said there is still a lot more to do for agriculture and Ghanaian farmers, such as the provision of rural infrastructure, delivery of appropriate production and marketing technologies and proactive administrative instruments. He urged the Prof. Mills-led government to liaise strongly with the private sector to drive capacity building and develop techniques and practices to improve agricultural productivity and alternative income generation for farmers. He said the private sector with the support of government should also institute schemes that would encourage young people to embrace farming as a viable source of employment.