Cocoa farmers advised to ensure good practices

Mr Kwasi Gorkeh-Sekyim, acting Managing Director of the Quality Control Company of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has asked cocoa farmers to adopt good agronomic practices, not just to enhance productivity, but maintain the quality of the country’s cocoa beans.

The nation, he said, occupies a unique place in the international commodity trade, enjoying premium on its cocoa and everything must be done to keep to standards.

He urged farmers to always ensure that cocoa beans are dried to a moisture content of 7.5 per cent to prevent the beans from getting mouldy.

Mr Gorkeh-Sekyim was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi at a ceremony held by the Company to reward 15 of its retired staff in Ashanti.

They received cash prizes, Certificates and souvenirs.

He asked the Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to also make sure that cocoa bought from farmers are stored in clean environment with sufficient ventilation.

He expressed the determination of the Company to go to every length to achieve quality assurance and said they have been carrying out regular sensitization of farmers and the LBCs to encourage them to do the right thing.

Source: GNA