Pineapple farmers want assistance for new hybrid

Awutu Bawjiase (C/R), May 3, GNA - The chairman of the newly formed Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Pineapple Co-operative Farmers Society, Mr Emmanuel Carr on Monday appealed to the government for financial assistance to go into the production of MD-2 hybrid pineapple.

The new pineapple variety that has world market attraction and matures early than the traditional varieties in the country is very expensive and very difficult to come by.

Making the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Awutu Bawjiase, Mr Carr said because of the high cost of the MD-2 seedlings, only a few pineapple farmers could afford it.

He said due to lack of funds, pineapple farmers were not able to cultivate the variety on large scale, making it impossible to produce more to increase their earnings.

Mr Carr therefore, urged the ministry of Food And Agriculture to ensure that the farmers get assess to loans, now that they have come together to form a co-operative society.

He said the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District produces the highest of the nation's pineapple and expressed regret of lack of assistance from NGOs to expand their farms. 3 May 05