Dadieso (W/R) Oct. 12, GNA - Farmers in the Dadieso cocoa district "A" in the Aowin-Suaman District of the Western Region have commended the government for initiating the mass cocoa spraying exercise, which they said had began to yield fruitful results.

They said the yield of individual farms has increased appreciably resulting in the steady increase in the income of farmers, Mr. Peter Ati, a prominent cocoa farmer told the Ghana News Agency at a meeting of farmers from Suibo, Akosuakrom, and Kwasuo. Adiepena, Kwabena-Nante and Obengkrom at Dadieso on Friday.

The spokesman, who is the supervisor of the area's mass cocoa spraying team said the exercise had also helped to minimize the incidence of black-pod and swollen shoot which were prevalent in the area. Mr. Ati said the transparency adopted by the government in the sector had helped to check the tendency of some cocoa purchasing clerks to cheat unsuspecting farmers.

The farmers called for the supply of Wellington boots and other protective cloths for members of the mass spraying teams to ensure their safety, and also additional incentives and prompt payment of their wages to enhance their performance.

They said the Dadieso-Kwasuo, Dadieso-Akosuakrom and the Dadieso-Suibo roads that were in very deplorable conditions should be rehabilitated to enhance the transportation of goods and services.