Cocoa farmers in Jomoro Municipality of Western Region are to benefit from the government's flagship programme, Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD).

The Municipal Assembly has promised to distribute seven hundred thousand (700,000) cocoa seedlings to farmers beginning next year under the programme.

This was announced by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, Hon. Ernest Kofie at New Ankasa where he engaged over one thousand farmers to explain government's agricultural programmes to them.

The MCE disclosed that last year, the Assembly together with Cocoa Health and Extension Division distributed three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) cocoa seedlings to cocoa farmers.

"Three and hundred and fifty thousand cocoa nurseries were raised by the Assembly in collaboration with Cocoa Health and Extension Division and supplied to 112 farmers", he said.

He also revealed that under the Planting for Export and Rural Development Programme, the Assembly raised ten thousand (10,000) hybrid coconut seedlings and distributed to 72 coconut farmers.

He added that the Assembly would continue the distribution of the hybrid coconut seedlings to farmers to replace dying ones.

Mr Kofie admitted that the programme had significantly contributed to agricultural production in the Municipality since its inception.

He, therefore, encouraged the farmers to embrace the programme while urging them to join ongoing registration.

"I want to encourage everyone here present to partake in the ongoing registration to increase the number of farmers on this programme. It is my hope that the programme will enhance family incomes in the Municipality", he emphasized.

Under the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, the MCE said 297 farmers took part in the programme in 2017 and added that it increased to 510 in 2018.

He added that the number increased from 297 to 510 in 2018.

He disclosed that a total number of 740 farmers have registered so far under the programme this year, which is made up of 430 males and 330 females.

The MCE commended government for supplying free chemicals to farmers to fight against the Fall Army Worms.

He said 500.76 hectares of farmland were affected by the disease adding that out of the figures, 437.92 hectares of farmland has been recovered.

He said, "All these interventions would sustain the agriculture business, reduce poverty and ensure food security in the Municipality and Ghana".

On fertilizer distribution, the MCE disclosed that "In order to ensure greater yields in crop production, the government continues to supply fertilizer to our farmers. The Jomoro Agriculture Directorate received 800 bags of fertilizer and subsequently distributed them to our farmers. I can state without fear that exhibitions we see today are as a result of this".

He also commended the government for donating a brand new pick up vehicle and six motorbikes to the Jomoro Municipal Agriculture Department to assist in monitoring and the provision of extension services to farmers in distant areas.

He added twelve (12) additional staff made of extension officers, veterinary officers, NABCO and PPR officers have been added to the existing staff under the Agriculture Department.

Mr Ernest Kofie charged the farmers to send their children to school to benefit from the Free SHS flagship programme.

"Synchronizing this Free SHS policy with the government's idea of mechanizing agriculture, it is expected that the old system of farming will gradually give way to modern methods of agriculture as a result of the increased in literacy of our population", he said.

He, therefore, seized the charged atmosphere to urge drivers to drive well to avoid unwanted accidents in this year's Christmas festivities.