Government commended for encouraging youth into cocoa farming

Akyem Awisa (E/R), July 26, GNA - Nana Otuo Kyei Bamfo II, the Chief of Akyem Awisa Traditional Area, says government's move to encourage younger generation of cocoa farmers is a good succession plan for the industry.

He said the shift from the current crop of aged farmers to the youth was an indication that the future of the industry would be bright.

'I am optimistic that when the youth take up cocoa farming, the future of the industry will be blissful,' he said.

Nana Otuo Kyei Bamfo was addressing a farmer's rally organised by the Cocoa Health and Extension Division at AKyem Awisa in the Eastern Region.

In line with this, he called on government and COCOBOD to consider restoring the Bunso Cocoa College to train more specialists to help build the cocoa sector.

Mr Foster Oyinka Dankwa, the Extension Co-ordinator Akyem-Oda, encouraged farmers to adhere to good agronomic practices to increase yield per hectare.

According to him, increased yield coupled with guarantee producer price will help increase the disposal incomes of farmers.

He advised farmers to avoid politicising programmes and activities of COCOBOD stating: 'Cocoa has no political colours.'

Addressing the rally, Mr Emmanuel Graham, the Oda District Cocoa Officer called on farmers to support COCOBOD to implement its numerous productivity based interventions.

He says when the cocoa rehabilitation programme becomes operational, it will affect cocoa farmers and land owners would receive some form of compensation.

He expressed confidence that the incentive package, together with supply of free seedlings would motivate farmers to co-operate with extension agents to cut diseased, moribund and overaged cocoa tress.

Speaking on behalf of the Senior Public Affairs Manager of COCOBOD, Mr David Asare Oduro, an officer from the Public Affairs Department, said cocoa has enormous health and nutritional benefits and therefore must become part of daily meals.

Mr Asare Oduro said cardiac related diseases were brought under control by consuming raw cocoa regularly.

He expressed optimism that government's move at ensuring that at least 50 per cent of cocoa produced in the country was locally processed and consumed would reduce the vulnerability of cocoa to world price volatility.

A sketch to emphasize the essence of the rehabilitation programme was staged by the farmers. GNA