COCOBOD relaunches free fertiliser programme to boost cocoa production
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has relaunched its free fertiliser distribution programme to boost cocoa production, improve farm productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa sector by providing farmers with essential agricultural inputs while reducing the cost of farming.
Speaking at the relaunch, COCOBOD Board Chairman, Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, said the programme would ease the financial burden on cocoa farmers and encourage them to improve productivity.
He explained that the distribution of fertilisers would improve soil fertility, promote healthy cocoa tree growth and enhance farm yields.
Millions of farm inputs to be distributed
Under the programme, COCOBOD is providing 3.5 million bags of fertiliser to cocoa farmers across the country.
The intervention also includes 1.8 million litres of liquid fertiliser, 2.3 million litres of insecticides and 1.5 million litres of fungicides.
The agricultural inputs are expected to improve soil conditions, strengthen cocoa trees and protect farms against pests and diseases.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo emphasised the importance of providing farmers with the necessary support to sustain cocoa production and strengthen the country’s position in the global cocoa market.
CEO reaffirms government commitment to farmers
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr Randy Abbey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free fertilisers and other agro-inputs to cocoa farmers nationwide.
Speaking at the programme, Dr Abbey said the intervention reflected government’s deliberate efforts to ease the financial burden on farmers and improve their productivity.
He noted that the reintroduction of the free fertiliser and agro-inputs programme demonstrated government’s recognition of the critical role cocoa farmers play in sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry.
According to him, the initiative would provide farmers with essential agricultural inputs to support production while reducing the cost of maintaining their farms.
Dr Abbey stressed that the intervention underscored government’s determination to improve farmers’ welfare and strengthen the cocoa sector.
He expressed optimism that the programme would contribute to increased cocoa production and promote the long-term sustainability of the industry.
The relaunch is expected to provide renewed support to cocoa farmers and help improve the overall performance of Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Afrah Grace
