The Volta Region is soon to become the leader in coconut production following the introduction of a new hybrid.

African Environmental Regeneration Movement (AFERM), an NGO, is introducing the hybrid that is disease-proof and matures in three years.

Mr Daniel Fianu-Dezor, Executive Secretary of AFERM who spoke to the GNA on Friday, said the introduction of the hybrid was part of International Tropical Timber Organization's (ITTO) project to rehabilitate defunct State Farms at Abutia.

He said the hybrid, which had higher oil content than the local variety, was capable of bearing an average of 70 fruits at a time. Mr Fianu-Dezor said AFERM had acquired 4,761.21 hectares of land to cultivate the coconut and intersperse it with timber tree species such as Odum, Wawa, Mahogany, Teak and Ebony.

"We have also supplied coconut seedlings to some farmers in the Ho district and we are prepared to supply more seedlings to other farmers who show interest in the cultivation of the coconut to make the Volta Region the number one producer for Ghana.

"We are beginning the cultivation of coconut once again following the destruction of coconut in the Central and Western Regions by the Cape St Paul disease".

He said 63 permanent and over 150 casual workers had been engaged on the project. Togbe Botchway Ayipe VI, Chief of Abutia Kloe and project manager, commended AFERM for its initiative and urged farmers and landowners to take up the cultivation of coconut as income generating venture to create wealth for the region as well as jobs for the youth.

Mr Emmanuel Okyere Boateng, a worker on the plantation and a former employee of the Forest Services Division, hailed the project saying he earned more money now than when he was in the civil service.