New cocoa pesticide introduced to farmers

Kuntanase-Ashanti, July 14, GNA - Dr Anthony Richmond Cudjoe, Acting Head of Entomology Division of Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) at Akim-Tafo in the Eastern region, on Friday said 'Akate Master' a new cocoa pesticide had proven to be environmentally friendly after six years of experimentation nation-wide.

He said it would replace "Kumakate" (Gamalin 20) which after being used extensively to fight "Akate" bugs on cocoa plantation had been found to contain Pirimiphos methyl, a dangerous chemical. Dr Cudjoe announced this at a day's workshop organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) for 17 Cocoa farmers and cocoa spraying supervisors in Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District on the right application of the pesticide at Kuntanase. He advised the participants to adhere strictly to instructions on the right use of the pesticide in order not to make the pest resistant to it.

Mr Winfred Tse, Marketing Manager of Chemico Agro-Chemical Dealers, said the workshop would be organised in cocoa growing areas for an effective mass cocoa spraying in August. 14 July 07