The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is to start the distribution of improved cocoa seedlings from the middle of this year to assist the rehabilitation of aged cocoa farms.

Mr Eric Adjei, National Technical Manager of the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) Control Unit, said over 20 million seedlings had been raised towards the project.

The intervention would significantly contribute to the regeneration of aged and disease infected farms for increased yield and sustenance of the livelihood of the farmers.

Mr Adjei was addressing a rally organized by the Unit to sensitize farmers on disease control measures it had put in place at Boamang in the Afigya-Kwabre District.

The farmers were drawn from Maase, Offinso Old-Town, Kwamang, Amoako, Aboroma, Kyerekrom and Nsountem.

Mr Adjei said the CSSVD would collaborate with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, the Seed Production Unit and other research institutions to develop disease-resistant and improved cocoa seedlings.

It would also continue to use various platforms to educate farmers to adopt good farming practices to boost production and returns.

He appealed to the farmers to cooperate with the Unit to cut down diseased cocoa trees to prevent the spread of the swollen shoot virus infection.

Mr Kwaku Oppong-Kyekyeku Kaakyire, the District Chief Executive (DCE), gave the assurance that the government would support farmers with the needed incentives to help grow the cocoa industry.