Cocoa farmers say they need regular supply of pesticides

Anum Apapam (E/R), Sept. 25, GNA - Cocoa farmers at Ebenezer near Anum Apapam have reiterated their call on the government to ensure regular supply of pesticides for mass cocoa spraying. Mr. Daniel Ohene, a prominent cocoa farmer and a spokesman for the farmers in the area, told the GNA in an interview that if there was shortage of pesticides the mass cocoa spraying would be rendered unproductive, he told the GNA in an interview. He said over the past two years there were lapses in the spraying exercise and this resulted in farmers not reaping good harvests. Mr. Ohene pledged the farmers' commitment to put in their best to increase yield for the 2008/2009 cocoa season but this could be achieved if they get support from the government. "Since cocoa cultivation is the main occupation of the inhabitants of the area, there is the need for the government to facilitate its development to improve living standards of the people."