In an effort to enhance cocoa yields, COCOBOD has provided training to 100,000 individuals for the purpose of artificially pollinating cocoa trees.
These individuals are tasked with supplementing the work of dwindling insect populations responsible for pollination in cocoa farms. The decline in insect populations, as stated by COCOBOD, is a result of certain farming practices.
One of the primary culprits in this issue is the improper use of unapproved weedicides and insecticides by some farmers.
During a local gathering in Tepa, where he addressed community leaders, farmers, and residents of the Ahafo Ano North Municipal in the Ashanti Region, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, CEO of COCOBOD, encouraged farmers to make use of these trained pollinators.
He emphasized that when artificial or hand pollination is effectively carried out, farmers can expect to harvest no less than 20 bags of cocoa per acre.
Mr. Aidoo cautioned against the use of unapproved agricultural practices that negatively impact cocoa yields. He highlighted pruning as a highly effective method and encouraged farmers to adopt it, as it has consistently proven to increase yields.
He explained that pruning enhances farm ventilation, significantly contributing to cocoa farm health.
Regarding cocoa pod disease, Mr. Boahen Aidoo advised affected farmers to reach out to COCOBOD district offices for guidance.
In terms of disease management, the CEO mentioned that COCOBOD’s initial intervention step is to cut down all cocoa trees on affected farms.
“After cutting down these trees, COCOBOD will then plant new cocoa trees in addition to plantain trees at no cost to the farmer. Again, COCOBOD will then manage the new farm for two years before handing it over to its owner.
This initiative aims to motivate farmers to report and assist in controlling cocoa pod disease, which is incurable and can have a detrimental impact on cocoa production, as stated by the CEO of COCOBOD.
The CEO mentioned that areas affected by the disease in the Ahafo Ano region of the Ashanti Region include Betsiako, Tebrikrom, Wioso, Pobiso, and Jepp Nkwanta.
Regarding the pension scheme for farmers, he made an appeal for farmers to enroll in the program. The scheme, currently in a pilot phase in New Edubiase within the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, is designed to improve the lives of cocoa farmers in their later years.
He noted that the government has allocated a fund from cocoa bean sales for the scheme, with each farmer indirectly contributing. The CEO strongly recommended that every cocoa farmer participate in the scheme to enjoy its benefits.
During the gathering, Nana Atwenewa Ampem II, the Omanhene of the Tepa Traditional Council, expressed gratitude to the government for its various social interventions aimed at enhancing the lives of Ghanaians.
He specifically cited the cocoa roads initiative, which has improved rural road networks, and requested its expansion to cover more areas. He also called on COCOBOD to monitor the activities of Produce Buying Companies, as there have been reports of some companies cheating farmers.
The durbar was attended by over 800 farmers from the Ahafo Ano North municipality, and several dignitaries, including heads of departments and agencies in the region.