20 FARMERS GROUPS RECEIVE SPRAYING MACHINES (PAGE 26)

TWENTY farmers groups in the Ahafo Ano North and Ahafo Ano South districts have received 240 spraying machines to help them prepare their farms to enhance yield.
Cargill, a United States-based cocoa processing company with a branch in Ghana, donated the items worth GH¢52,000 through CARE International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
The beneficiary communities included Betiako, Betinko, Odikro Nkwanta, Jacobu, Mmeredane and Katapei.
The rest were Boagyaa Numbers One and Two, Danyame, Beposo, Pobiso,
Kotei Nkwanta, Nyameadom, Siawkrom, Asuhyiae, Timbabi, Mfante and Dotoam.
The Project Co-ordinator of Cargill, Mr Patrick Sebe Soadwa, stated that it was important for farmers to be provided with the equipment because the items would ensure increased production.
He said it was in the interest of Cargill that cocoa production increased because the company used cocoa beans as its main raw material.
Mr Soadwa advised that monies generated from the machines must be used to repair them to enable them to last longer.
The organisation's field officer for Ahafo Ano South District, Mr Daniel Attram, said the equipment was a great opportunity for the farmers to build on their activities.
He advised leaders of the farmers groups to collaborate with extension officers so that effective agricultural practices would be transferred to the farmers.
A director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Mahama Shaibu, said since the activities of farmers were crucial for the development of the national economy, such forms of assistance for the farmers were always welcome.
He emphasised that MOFA would collaborate with Cargill to increase production of cocoa.
Mr Shaibu advised beneficiary farmers to take good care of the spraying machines.
He also urged them to apply the agro-chemicals with care to ensure that quality cocoa beans were produced.
An extension officer, Mr Nkansah Brentuo, demonstrated the use of the machines to the farmers.