BY DR. K. OFORI-FRIMPONG, COORDINATOR, COCOA Hi-TECH PROGRAME

The average annual cocoa yield which has remained between 250 and 360 kg/ha from the earliest recorded times up till now is very low compared to 800 kg/ha in Cote D’lvoire or 1,700 kg/ha in Malaysia even though a larger proportion of Ghana’s land resources is committed to growing of cocoa. The Government in her attempt to resuscitate the cocoa industry in Ghana has adopted several measures such as the Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control Programme (CODAPEC) and consistent increases in producer prices. Regrettably, one important factor, which has been over looked over the years is the relationship between soil fertility and cocoa production. It has been estimated from an annual marketable harvest of 1,000,000MT dry cocoa beans that about 40,000MT of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are removed from cocoa farms through crop harvest and are not returned to the soil. The removal of essential nutrients from the soil by the cocoa trees through harvesting of pods over long periods without replenishment of lost fertility, could be one of the major causes of decline in productivity on cocoa farms. The low yield per unit area produced by the Ghanaian farmer has resulted in adverse socio-economic and environmental consequences such as rural poverty, low export earnings, rural-urban migration, deforestation and soil degradation. In line with the objectives of COCOBOD to increase cocoa production from 400,000 MT in 2002/03 to 700,000 by 2009/10 and in attempt to alleviate poverty among cocoa farmers implemented the application of “High Technology” (Hi-TECH) method on cocoa production in Ghana based on the research efforts of CRIG.

Definition of “high technology”

The “High Technology” of cocoa production is defined as the sustainable cocoa production by which the farmer increases and maintains productivity through soil fertility maintenance at levels that are economically viable, ecologically sound and culturally acceptable using efficient management resources.

Programme implementation

(a) Pilot Project

As a prelude to the more elaborate main project, a pilot project which involved the application of fertilizer to farms covering an area of 40,000 ha began in March-April, 2003 in selected districts of all the main cocoa growing regions. Each selected farmer was assisted to apply the technology to 0.8 ha (2ac).

(b) Main Project

Before the implementation of the main project which started in 2004/05, CRIG trained all stakeholders on various aspects of the project. Series of meetings/workshops/farmers rallies at District level were organized by CRIG to sensitise all stakeholders on their respective roles.

Training programmes on proper agronomic practices which had to be adopted before and during the project were organized for farmers and extension staff of Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). Demonstrations on fertilizer application, etc were held for the farmers and extension agents.

Types of Fertilizers Used

Two main types of fertilizer formulations are used in the Hi-Tech Programme.

(a) Granular Fertilizers - Asaasewura and Cocofeed

(b) Liquid Fertilizers - Sidalco Balanced and Sidalco Potassium Rich.

These fertilizers are supplied by traditional suppliers and have been tested and approved to be used on cocoa by CRIG.

Mode of Fertilizer Acquisition

Fertilizers are distributed to farmers through:

(a) Licensed Buying Companies

(b) Cocoa Input Company Ltd.

(c) Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The fertilizers are acquired by the cash and carry system. The price is however subsidized by COCOBOD to enhance the affordability of farmers for improved cocoa nutrition.

Outcomes of Programme

The benefits derived from the programme include the following:

(a) Increase in farmers’ yield and national output which are reflected in improved farmers’ incomes and total cocoa earnings and revenue generation for Government.

(b) Alleviation of poverty among cocoa farmers.

(c) Reduction in the degree of rural-urban migration by the youth,

(d) Improvement in farm management practices

(e) Improvement of bean size

Conclusion

The fertilizer use on cocoa concept as an intervention to increase cocoa production in the country and as a way to alleviate poverty among cocoa farmers should be strengthened. It is hoped that the programme will be given the necessary support by COCOBOD to enable the country’s current production doubled by 2012/13.

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