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Cocoa farmers in the western region expressed their joy after experiencing a surge in cocoa production for two consecutive years following the application of Omya Calciprill to combat soil acidity in their cocoa plantations. .
Some farmers shared their testimonies during a seminar day on Monday.
At the seminar organized by the Seed Production Division (SPD) of COCOBOD in Kejebril and Wassa Akropong, both in the western region, the experts explained the effects of acidic soils on cocoa trees and the importance of Calciprill in the fight against soil acidity.
Farmers testified about the changes they have seen since applying Calciprill and the extra bags they have since harvested.
Speaking to the media at the seminar, Kejebril District Chief Farmer Anthony Amissah explained that he was advised by the District Extension Officer after experiencing poor performance; therefore, when applying Omya Calciprill on his farm, his yields increased for two consecutive years.
Mr Amissah expressed the hope of receiving more bags of Omya Calciprill this year to enable him to continue to increase his yields.
Zonal chief farmer in Sankor in the same district, Stephen Quayson, added that Omya Calciprill is not limited to cocoa; because he cultivates mixed crops and after using the product he harvested more food products.
Samuel Osei, regional operations manager of Western CHED, explained that the level of soil acidity in the region is unpleasant, so applying Omya Calciprill to the soil will help farmers in the region achieve better yields for their cultures.
He indicated that the application of Omya Calciprill will improve and enrich the soil for increased yields.
The CHED regional operations manager said Cocobod is training 20 extension workers and around 300 cocoa farmers, who will subsequently become trainers in the region.
“It is COCOBOD’s desire to increase production up to 1,500 per hectare and to reduce fluctuations in yield in the region”.
COCOBOD is also working in partnership with the supplier, Demeter, to ensure that the product is readily available for farmers to purchase on their own and extend product coverage in the region.
The western region is the cocoa hub, so there is a need to reduce soil acidity and enrich it to boost cocoa production in the region and the country as a whole.
The facilitator of the training, Daniel Attivor, agronomist for Omya West Africa, explained that the training aimed to help farmers understand the composition of the soil and the effects of acidity on their efforts; adding that it was important for the farmers to know the nature of the soil, with the help of extension agents, before applying the fertilizer and in order to achieve the required production levels.
He indicated that as long as the soil remains acidic, the PH will be low and the soil must be neutralized for the fertilizers they apply to work.
This is the third training seminar for farmers in the region, following the renewal of the partnership between the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Beft Agro Consult Limited, a fertilizer distributor in Ghana.
Beft Afro Ltd will be assisted by Demeter Ghana Ltd, a specialist agricultural company, to help educate farmers on soil acidity and the importance of Calciprill,
Studies have shown that soil acidity is one of the major challenges in cocoa cultivation and further limits the levels of key nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus; which led to low cocoa yields and affected farmers’ livelihoods.
Studies conducted by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) over a two-year trial period have proven that Omya Calciprill can increase yields by up to 70%.
Omya Calciprill is a high quality soil conditioner from Germany which is used to rid the soil of acidity and increase yields, as well as to improve the quality of crops.
Beft Agro Limited is an importer and distributor of fertilizers. Beft Agro Limited has worked closely with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and COCOBOD for many years.
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