The Cocobod has distributed a total of 5,548,052 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in the Ashanti Region as part of steps it is taking to boost crop production.

Mrs. Faustine Asamany, the Regional Manager of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division, said these were not only high-yielding but early maturing and disease resistant.

Speaking at a forum on climate change at Nyinahin in the Atwima-Mponua District, she said about 8,000 cocoa farmers had benefitted.

The programme brought together chief farmers, extension officers and officials from the Forestry Commission to discuss ways of boosting crop yield and returns.

Mrs. Asamani encouraged the farmers to establish their own nurseries to augment the supplies by the Cocobod.

They should also accept to work closely with the extension officers to improve their farming practices and adopt proper soil and water management systems.

This had become necessary in the wake of the erratic rainfall pattern due to climate change.

Mrs. Asamani said they were working on developing drought-resistant cocoa varieties to sustain the industry and raise production levels.

This activity is being spearheaded by the Cocoa Research Institute, Ghana (CRIG).

She appealed the District Assemblies to act decisively to stop the destruction of cocoa farms through illegal gold mining.