Celebrating 40 years of National Farmers’ Day …The ADB story

As a leader in agribusiness financing, the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC proudly takes center stage in championing and empowering our nation’s esteemed farming commu­nity. With steadfast commitment, ADB has provided funding and created opportunities for wealth creation, a role that gains particular significance as we commemorate the National Farmers Day.

Beyond our banking services, ADB embodies its Corporate Value Proposition, “The People’s Bank,” reflecting a profound dedication to farmers’ livelihoods, resilience, and successes. As we embrace this celebratory moment, journey with us into ADB’s pivotal role, transforming the agricultur­al landscape while honoring the remarkable contributions of our farmers.

For the past 40 years, ADB has been the stalwart lead sponsor of the National Farmers’ Day celebration and remains resolutely committed to this sponsorship. This celebration, instituted by the Government in 1985, stands as a tribute to the indispensable role farmers and fishers play in Ghana’s economy. It recognizes their com­mendable efforts, especially after the agricultural resurgence of 1984 following challenging years.

The event, acknowledges farm­ers and fishers’ tireless dedication to feeding the nation, supply­ing raw materials for industries, and bolstering foreign exchange earnings. Over the years, this commemoration has evolved in its organisation and the honours presented to the winners, illustrat­ing the growing significance of this nationwide appreciation.

ADB’s contributions over the years

The narrative of the Na­tional Best Farmer award has transformed significantly under ADB’s sponsorship, from humble beginnings to a steady increase in value. Notably, ADB’s involve­ment ushered in the prestigious offering of a three-bedroom house as the ultimate prize at a cost of $100,000.

For example, from 2001 to 2016, ADB presented 15 three-bedroom houses to ultimate best farmers. Following recommendations from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, it was agreed in 2017 to replace the ultimate prize of a 3-bedroom house with a $100,000 cash award to allow the ultimate winners the opportunity to expand and strengthen their agribusiness.

In Cedi terms, the cash equiv­alent prize has seen significant growth, reflecting the bank’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence. The recent years’ winners received notable prizes – from GH¢530,000 to GH¢570,000 to GH¢ 600,000 in 2019, 2020 and 2021 being the cedi equivalent of $100,000, respective­ly. These have also been followed by a substantial GH¢1 million awarded to the 2022 and the 2023 National Best Farmers respectively.

For the 2024 National Farmers’ Day, which accordingly marks 40 years of the National Farmers’ Day Awards, ADB maintains its steadfast sponsorship, offering an impressive GH¢1 million prize as the ultimate award to the overall National Best Farmer. Additionally, the bank has been the sole sponsor of other key events, including the Welcome Cocktail and the National Farmers’ Forum in honor of the awardees and all other key stakeholders within the agribusi­ness value chain.

Sponsorship impact

ADB’s support of the Farmers’ Day celebration underscores the bank’s unwavering dedication to its founding mandate over the past 40 years. The commitment goes beyond financial incentives, encompassing pivotal events such as the National Farmers’ Forum and the Welcome Cocktail for award nominees. This compre­hensive approach amplifies ADB’s commitment to nurturing growth and resilience, affirming the bank’s steadfast pledge to elevate Ghana’s agricultural sector.

The impact of our monetary rewards extends far beyond simple recognition. The cash prizes awarded have catalysed sustainable employment opportunities, with past Best Farmers investing in their businesses. These investments include initiatives to train youth and expand workforce, effectively doubling the number of employers within the sector.

Our sponsorship of the Na­tional Farmers Day celebration signifies a deep reverence for the tireless efforts of farmers and acknowledges their irreplaceable role in bolstering our nation’s food security and economic prosperity.

2024 National Farmers’ Day celebration

Looking ahead to the 2024 National Farmers’ Day celebra­tion, the chosen theme, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” encapsulates the pressing need to address measures for sustainable food security amid climate change issues. The forthcoming celebra­tion will span five days and feature the Agrifest Ghana 2024 agricul­tural fair and a grand durbar, aim­ing to facilitate networking among farmers, industry players, and the adoption of cutting-edge agricul­tural technologies and research innovations.

Key events include the Welcome Cocktail to greet award winners, the Farmers Forum fostering dia­logue and learning, and the climax – an awards night ceremony in Accra. During this ceremony, Pres­ident of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Akufo-Addo will confer national honours upon outstanding farmers and fishers.

The awards night will recognize achievements in 15 categories, honouring outstanding contribu­tions in various sectors including livestock farming, female empow­erment in agriculture, fishing, co­coa farming, and shea nut picking.

Conclusion

In line with the theme for the 2024 National Farmers’ Day: “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security” ADB’s enduring commit­ment to Ghana’s agricultural sector through its sponsorship of the National Farmers’ Day celebration stands as a testament to the bank’s fundamental mission and unwaver­ing dedication.

ADB’s pivotal role as the lead sponsor over the past years has not only transformed the narrative of the National Best Farmers’ Awards Scheme, but has also elevated the celebration into a beacon of recognition and empowerment for wealth creation through agribusi­ness and more.

Congratulations to all past and current award winners for your hard work and respective roles in ensuring the availability of food and farm produce for the good people of Ghana.

The writer is the General Manager, Agribusiness, ADB PLC

BY KWAME ASIEDU ATTRAMS