33% of cocoa trees unproductive - COCOBOD CEO

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), Mr. Boahen Aidoo has indicated on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that , government will intensify the provision of hybrid seedlings that have high yields and are resistant to diseases, pests and harsh weather conditions.

According to him, the status of some cocoa trees in the country, have passed the active fruiting age of 30, making it difficult for them to properly contribute to cocoa output.

He explained that about 33 per cent of the total number of the country’s cocoa trees are unproductive due to ageing and diseases.

The board he added had resolved to cut down and replace those low yielding trees with improved seedlings that were resistant to diseases and pests. He was speaking to Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm.

He said: ‘’ the seedlings could also be used to replant old moribund farms, farms affected by natural disasters such as bush fires and floods, as well as establish new farms and/or fill vacancies in existing farms.’’

He revealed to the host that, there is no available data on the number of farmers who are expected to benefit from the exercise however, the only available data is the measurement of farms to benefit adding, the data is not so reliable and so we will conduct an audit to establish the actual farm size.

''There is no available data and so I am working together with my team to get the data.. The information available is scanty but we will conduct an audit and get a reliable data,'' he stressed.

He concluded that the national cocoa output could rise in the coming years after the exercise.