Odupong Ofaakor (C/R), Sept 30, GNA - Members of the Bawjiase Ayensu Starch Cassava Farmers Association can sell their produce at the open market, a directive from the National Executive has stated. This follows the closure of the fermentation pond of the Ayensu Starch Factory at Awutu Bawjiase about a month ago for rehabilitation, Mr Samuel Dodd, National Chairman of the Association told the Ghana News Agency on Friday at Odupong Ofaakor, near Kasoa.

He said the factory would commence full operation in November this year and that their produce could go waste if they should wait till that time, hence the decision to sell on the open market. He said cassava that had been planted for between 12 and 15 months by members of the Association could be sold because the starch content had reduced.

Mr Dodd said members of the Association, who had received financial assistance from the Ayensu Company, could also send their produce to the market, pending the reopening of the factory. He said the management of the factory had agreed to increase the price of cassava and urged the farmers to continue selling their produce to the factory when it re-opens.