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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo has called on cocoa farmers nationwide to adopt modern farming practices to enhance productivity and ensure the sustainability of cocoa farming. Speaking during a farmers’ engagement program in the Ashanti Region, the CEO emphasized the need for innovative approaches to boost yields and improve livelihoods.
Highlighting the success of modern farming methods, the CEO noted that practices such as pruning and hand pollination have enabled farmers to achieve unprecedented yields of up to 4,000 kilograms per hectare. “Pruning allows for better aeration and sunlight penetration, while hand pollination significantly increases pod production. These methods have proven to be transformative for cocoa farmers,” he explained.
The CEO also urged farmers to abandon outdated and harmful practices such as burning farmland before cultivation. He cautioned that burning depletes soil nutrients, destroys organic matter, and harms the environment, leading to long-term negative effects on productivity. “Sustainable cocoa farming begins with protecting the soil. Avoid burning and adopt environmentally friendly methods to prepare your land,” he advised.
The event, organized by CRIG, featured hands-on training sessions on best agricultural practices, including pest and disease management, proper fertilizer application, and sustainable land use techniques. The initiative aims to empower farmers with practical knowledge to optimize their farming operations and increase output.
Farmers in attendance expressed their appreciation for the training, describing it as insightful and timely. Many pledged to implement the new techniques to transform their cocoa farms and achieve higher yields. One farmer remarked, “The lessons on hand pollination and pruning will help me significantly improve my productivity. I’m excited to see the results in my next harvest.”
Cocoa farming is a vital sector of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to export revenue and rural livelihoods. However, challenges such as climate change, declining soil fertility, and inefficient farming practices continue to threaten its sustainability. Through initiatives like this, CRIG seeks to address these challenges and secure the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
The CEO reaffirmed CRIG’s commitment to providing farmers with ongoing support, cutting-edge research, and practical training. He called on stakeholders in the cocoa value chain to collaborate in promoting innovative farming methods that will increase yields and maintain Ghana’s position as a leading producer of premium cocoa.
“By adopting modern practices, we can transform the cocoa industry, ensure sustainable farming, and secure better incomes for our farmers. Let us work together to achieve these goals,” he concluded.
