Thirty four farmers in the Northern Region were on Friday honoured for their contribution to food production in the country.
Alhaji Abdulai Karim, 58, from Mpaha in the Central Gonja District emerged the regional best farmer and received a grinding mill, a bicycle, 10 machetes, sewing machine, a full wax print, a pair of Wellington boots and spraying machines among other things.
Mr Yushaw Ibrahim, from Gambaga in the East Mamprusi District, who was the first runner-up, received five machetes, one wax print, a packet of roofing sheets, a pair of Wellington boots and spraying machine.
The Maltiti Women's Group, a Women's producing and processing group from the Nanumba South District, came third and were given 10 machetes, one spraying machine and 10 bottles of assorted chemicals.
Mr Issifu Basideen, from the Tamale Metropolis was adjudged the best guinea fowl farmer and Mr Jewe Scipio Amedom, from Salaga in the East Gonja District emerged the best agricultural extension officer.
The Mimmima Community in the West Mamprusi District was the best non-burning community and for their price they took home 10 machetes, 10 pairs of Wellington boots and a certificate.
Mr Sylvester Adongo, Northern Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) said the region had recorded food surpluses of 918,147 metric tones in all the major food crops.
He attributed the increase in food production in the region to government's good policies and the favourable rainfall pattern experienced in the region this year.
Mr Adongo said the provision of GHc 1,281,406.00 by the government as direct support for dry season vegetable farming and maize and rice cultivation by pro-poor farmers contributed to the achievement of the 2008 production levels.
Mr Sulemana Nabla, West Mamprusi District Chief Executive said through the governments subsidy on fertilizer 10,864 fertilizer coupons were distributed to 3,326 farmers in the district this year.
He said an investor had planned to cultivate over 800 hectares of land in Janga and Nasia during the dry season vegetable cultivation.