Joseph Boahen Aidoo
Cocoa Farmers in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region have commended the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for the various initiatives it has taken towards improving the living standards of farmers.
They mentioned the successful implementation of the CODAPEC/HITECH programme through which COCOBOD has provided farmers with essential chemicals, including fungicides, insecticides and foliar fertilizers, at no cost.
The chemicals, according to the farmers, are vital in their fight against pests and diseases that threaten cocoa farms.
They also mentioned that the mass spraying exercise, which was done by trained sprayers and covered all farms in the district, has ensured that the crops remain healthy.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Jomoro Cocoa Farmers and signed by some chief farmers in the area.
Cocoa Rehabilitation
The statement said COCOBOD has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of farms affected by the cocoa swollen shoot disease.
“This programme involves the cutting of diseased cocoa trees and replanting them with healthier, more resilient varieties,” they said.
“What makes this programme even more commendable is that COCOBOD bears the full cost of rehabilitation and compensates the affected farmers”, the farmers indicated in the statement.
Cocoa Farmers’ Pension Scheme
The statement also added that the ongoing Cocoa Pension Scheme is another significant achievement by COCOBOD.
“This 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,” they said. “It is a testament to COCOBOD’s commitment to the long-term well-being of farmers.”
Producer Price Of Cocoa Beans
The statement mentioned that the price of cocoa beans has also seen a significant increase, from GH¢475.00 per bag in 2016 to GH¢2,070 in 2024.
“This substantial rise has greatly improved our income and made the cocoa farming more attractive,” the statement said.
“We are hopeful that COCOBOD will continue this trend and announce another increment this year to reflect the true value of our hard work”, the statement noted.
Free Cocoa Extension Services
The cocoa farmers also commend COCOBOD for its commitment to providing free extension services.
They said “The employment of 19 extension officers in the Elubo cocoa District is a clear indication of COCOBOD’s dedication to improving good agricultural practices and ensuring that farmers have access to the latest knowledge and techniques’.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi