By P.K. Yankey
Elubo (W/R), Sept. 3, GNA – Cocoa farmers in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region have commended the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for instituting strategic agronomic interventions to boost productivity.
The Jomoro Cocoa District Chief Farmer, Nana Robert Gyawu, who was flanked by other farmers in the area, gave the commendation at a news conference at Elubo in the Western-South Cocoa Region.
He acknowledged the remarkable efforts of COCOBOD in ensuring the success of the Cocoa Disease and Pest Control and Cocoa High Technology programmes where farmers were provided with chemicals like fungicides, insecticides and foliar fertilizers at no cost.
According to him, the chemicals proved vital in the fight against pests and diseases which hitherto threatened their cocoa farms.
He said a mass spraying exercise which involved trained sprayers covering all farms in the district, had been a lifeline for many of the farmers to ensure that their crops remained healthy and productive.
“Despite some calls for the abolition of this programme, we want to make it clear that the farmers in the Jomoro Municipal Assembly fully support the continuation of the mass spraying exercise.
“Its importance to our livelihood cannot be overstated,” Nana Gyawu stated.
He also lauded COCOBOD for being instrumental in the rehabilitation of farms affected by the cocoa swollen shoot disease by cutting down affected trees and replanting them with healthier and more resilient varieties for free, and payment of compensation to farmers.
Nana Gyawu mentioned the on-going Cocoa Pension Scheme as another significant achievement by COCOBOD.
“The initiative will provide cocoa farmers with the security and peace of mind that comes with knowing that we will have financial support in our old age,” he said.
He said the productive price of cocoa beans had also seen a significant increase from GHC475 per bag in 2016 to GHC2,070 in 2024.
“The substantial rise has greatly improved our income and made cocoa farming more attractive.
“We are hopeful that COCOBOD will continue the trend and announce another increment this year, reflecting the true value of our hard work,” he added.
The Chief Cocoa Farmer further praised COCOBOD for its commitment to provide free extension services with the employment of 19 extension officers in the Elubo cocoa district.
Nana Gyawu said that was a clear indication of COCOBOD’s dedication to enhancing good agricultural practices and ensuring that farmers had access to the latest knowledge and techniques.
He noted that: “We stand united in our commitment to working with COCOBOD to ensure the continued success of our cocoa industry so that we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for all cocoa farmers.”
GNA