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New cocoa pesticide to be experimented in Ashanti region
Kuntanase (Ash), Jan 14, GNA- A new cocoa pesticide named "Alcate
Master" is to be experimented in the Ashanti region through
a pilot mass cocoa spraying exercise.
The "Alcate Master" has been found to be a more efficient
substitute for the widely used "Confidor" in combating the 'Akate
and Atee' pest plaguing cocoa plantations.
Mr Obeng Agyena, the National Co-ordinator of Cocoa Disease
and Pest Control Project (CODAPEC), made this known when he
met executives of the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District
Cocoa Farmers Association and cocoa societies at Kuntanase
at the weekend as part of his annual tour of cocoa growing
areas.
He suggested the formation of task forces to educate cocoa
spraying gangs on the right application of the chemicals,
whiles also monitoring their activities to ensure maximum
success of the pilot scheme.
Mr Agyena said his office would ensure that the right
proportion of the new chemical is used for the exercise so
as not to compromise the quality of Ghana's cocoa beans in
terms of chemical residue in the beans.
Mr Mathew Adarkwa, the District Chief Farmer, appealed to
the government to replace all broken down spraying machines
and also increase the number of gang members from the
current 15 to 25 due to the expansion of cocoa farms in the
district.
He also called for a monthly remuneration for purchasing
clerks to help stem corruption among them, which has largely
been attributed to the yearly incomes they receive.
GNA
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