Coconut Federation Ghana And The Office Of The President Embarks On A Filed Visit To Coconut Farmers In Berekum
The Coconut Federation Ghana and the office of the president and exim bank has embarked on a strategic field visit, barely two months after coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers in berekum in the Bono Region.
As part of efforts to increase coconut production for both export and local consumption, the Presidential Initiative on Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), barely two months after distributing over 40,000 coconut seedlings freely to farmers has led a joint team comprising the Office of the President, EXIM Bank, and the Coconut Federation Ghana to visit farmers on the field.
The distribution of coconut seedlings forms a major component of the President’s broader initiative to grow 11 million seedlings across 11 regions, including the Bono Region.
To ensure that farmers are nurturing the freely distributed seedlings, a joint team from the Coconut Federation, EXIM Bank, and the Office of the President is currently on the field to obtain firsthand information on how the seedlings are performing.
The Vice President of the Coconut Federation, Kwaku Boateng, says the team is impressed with the level of care farmers are giving the seedlings.
He explains that the visit also allows them to gather farmers’ concerns and provide tailored solutions.
He adds that the coconut value chain is expected to create both direct and indirect jobs for many unemployed people, especially in coconut-growing communities.
According to him, this initiative by the President positions Ghana to become a global hub for coconut production.
Some of the farmers commended President John Dramani Mahama, EXIM Bank, and the Coconut Federation Ghana for the initiative.
They note that although they have vast lands, they previously could not afford the high cost of coconut seedlings on the market.
They describe the free distribution as a timely intervention.
Many of them are calling for additional seedlings in the next planting season to help them expand their farms.
Story by Eric amoako de don maglah.
