PBC to secure MCA funds for cocoa farmers

Jukwa (C/R), Nov 8, GNA - The Produce Buying Company (PBC) has had "initial discussions with some consultants" to enable it access funds from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) for cocoa farmers who trade with the company, to help improve their farms and yield. The company is also in touch with Data Bank to assist the farmers through education and investment options in the management of their incomes.

The Managing Director of the PBC, Mr Anthony Osei Boakye, made these known in an address read for him at the sixth Central Regional farmers' award ceremony on the theme " The progress and prosperity of cocoa farmers" organized by the PBC at Jukwa. It was to honour farmers who have remained loyal to the company over the years and have been consistent in the sale of their produce solely to it.

In all 51 farmers in the cocoa growing districts of Cape Coast, Twifo-Praso and Nyinanse-Ateiku, were honoured.

Nine farmers, three each from the districts, received a certificate of honour, a radio set, a solar torchlight and two cutlasses each for being the district's best farmers.

Six others who were selected as chief farmers received certificates of honour, solar torch lights, two cutlasses and a pair of Wellington boots each, while 36 others were given similar prizes for winning the positions of society best farmers.

Mr Osei Boakye explained that the training programme being sourced for at Data Bank would start with the Brong Ahafo Region and gradually extended to the other regions.

The PBC boss, enumerated several measures that have been put in place to enhance the welfare of cocoa farmers over the years, including the 'ADB drive gold drive for farmers' under which cocoa farmers would be given vehicles on hire purchase and said the company has already forwarded the names of eligible farmers to the government.

He pledged "quality service" to the farmers in respect of proper records keeping and prompt payment of cocoa purchases through the Akuafo cheque system and said in pursuance of this, the company has this year, dismissed a lot of its Commissioned Marketing Clerks (CMCs) for malpractices.

"As a buyer of last resort, we will ensure that the company purchases all cocoa that will be produced by our farmers, even from locations where profitability is least expected just to assist farmers economically", he said.

The Regional Manager of the PBC, Mr Freddie Amponsah, told cocoa farmers to adhere to time tested traditional methods of cocoa production and handling of the beans to ensure that the nation's position as the best quality cocoa producer on the international market was maintained. He expressed concern about recent incidents of excess residue of chemicals in some cocoa beans and appealed to the farmers to refrain from the excessive use of chemicals and to ensure that the beans are fermented and dried appropriately.

Mr Ben Ahomka-Sey, the Cape Coast District Quality Control Manager, appealed to the farmers not to use chemicals such as Coco Star, Thionex and Theodan, which he said, were for cotton and not for cocoa production.

Nana Afrifa Yamoah II, chief of Jukwa and 'adomkwahen' of the Denkyira Traditional Area, commended the government for its efforts to improve cocoa production in the country.