More than 11,000 cocoa farmers in the Nkawie Cocoa District of the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality are expected to receive free fertilizer from May this year.
Nii Noi Kootey, the Municipal Cocoa Officer, who announced this, said the intervention forms part of COCOBOD’s Free Fertilizers Year (FFY) programme, which seeks to support cocoa farmers with fertilizer inputs to enhance farm productivity and boost national cocoa output.
Speaking at a meeting with Mr Wisdom Osei Boamah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Atwima Nwabiagya South, at Nkawie, Mr Kootey explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen the cocoa sector by increasing yields and revenue while improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
He noted that beneficiary farmers would be selected from Atwima Nwabiagya South, parts of Nwabiagya North, Kwanwoma, Atwima Mponua, and Amansie West districts. Each farmer will receive three bags of granula— a powdered fertilizer— per acre, as well as an appropriate quantity of folia liquid fertilizer.
According to him, the support targets farmers with matured and productive cocoa farms within the operational areas of the Nkawie Cocoa District.
Mr Boamah commended COCOBOD for supporting government’s efforts to increase national cocoa productivity.
He described cocoa as the economic backbone of the country, with significant benefits for rural communities, urban dwellers, and the international market.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving cocoa production and quality, as well as the broader economic welfare of cocoa farmers.
The MCE highlighted factors such as good road networks, pricing systems, market access, and provision of farm inputs as essential considerations in supporting cocoa farmers.
GNA