The Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong has defended the termination of the contract between government and the defunct Cocoa Spraying Gangs and given to the Agricultural Extension Agents of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was the step in the right direction.
According to him, though government is yet to assess the outcome of the policy with cocoa output for season under review, the result is likely to be favorable as almost all the challenges under the old system including diversion of farming inputs and chemicals have been addressed.
Speaking at a ceremony to present a tractor and its accessories to the Region’s 2013 Best Farmer in Kumasi, Mr. Sarpong said now the inputs including the agrochemicals reach their destinations without a problem. The decision to present the tractors worth 29 thousand dollars delayed because of some circumstances beyond control of government.
The Regional Minister said government is still committed to ensure that farmers receive the best of incentives to enhance production.
He asked the Best Farmer Alhaji Mohammed Awal from Obuasi to take good care of the equipment to enhance production.
Alhaji Awail thanked government for the gesture and assured that the tractors will be put to full use.
He promised to contest for the National Best Farmer Award now that he has been given an equipment to facilitate his farming activities.
Source: GBC
