Business News of Thursday, 26 April 2012Source: GNA Government’s policy of accelerating agriculture production would be given an impetus on Friday, with the launch of the National Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme.

The launch, to be held in Goaso in Asunafo North Municipality, is aimed at revamping the cocoa industry.

Addressing a meeting of the Regional Co-ordinating Council in Sunyani on Wednesday, Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, said it was anticipated that more than 20 million cocoa seedlings would be supplied free of charge to farmers.

He said research showed that, about 23% cocoa farms in the country were more than 30 years old, with most farms heavily infested with mistletoes, resulting in the reduction in cocoa production in many farms nationwide.

Mr Nyamekye Marfo said the six-year programme “seeks to help increase and sustain cocoa production in Ghana through the rehabilitation and replanting of old and diseased cocoa trees.”

Besides replacing “moribund and diseased cocoa trees with hybrid cocoa variety”, the programme would also “embark on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) for increased and sustainable yield”.**