Capsid attacks cocoa farms at Ahafo-Ano South

Mankranso (Ash), Jan 22, GNA- Large hectares of cocoa farms in the Ahafo-Ano South district have been attacked by Capsid disease (Akate), resulting in low crop yields.

Among the worst affected areas are Asuadae, Mankranso, Biemso-Number One, Banahenekrom, Potrikrom, Biemso-Number Two, Beposo and Asempaneye.

Others are Dwenewoho, Bredi, Bonkwaso, Kunsu, Afreseni, Sikafrebogya and Dotiem.

This came to light during a farmers' forum held at Mankranso by the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association (GCCSFA) to discuss ways of enhancing efficiency in the cocoa sector on Wednesday. Nana Kwasi Amoateng, the District Chief Farmer attributed the cause of the disease to the fact that chemicals used for the mass spraying exercise in the area were meant to control just the black pod disease.

"In areas where the black pod had been common, the results of the cocoa mass spraying had been wonderful".

He, therefore, appealed to the government to put in place an arrangement that would ensure that identified capsid-prone parts of the district are sprayed with chemicals known to be effective for the control of the disease.

Nana Amoateng lauded the government for its various interventions of assisting farmers to raise output and enjoy appreciable remuneration from their toil.

"We are indeed grateful to the government for the attractive cocoa producer price and the on-going bonus payment". The District Chief farmer used the occasion to draw the attention of people in the district to be more careful in the way they handle naked fires, particularly between now and the beginning of the rains to avoid bushfires. 22 Jan 04