Akim Oda (E/R), April 30, GNA - Cocoa farmers in the Birim Central District have been advised to step up quality cocoa production through proper harvesting, fermentation and drying of the cocoa beans. Mr. Kwadwo Kyei, Principal Quality Control Officer of the Akim Oda Cocoa District QCD of the COCOBOD, told the GNA in an interview that COCOBOD was strengthening its structures and processes to sustain the healthy and unique partnership between the QCD and the Licensed Buying Companies.

Mr. Kyei said the purple coloration of cocoa beans was not a disease but inadequate fermentation of the cocoa beans and appealed to farmers to use the traditional method of fermentation that saw the country producing quality cocoa.

Mr. Kyei urged farmers to take advantage of the free spraying exercise and the Hi-Tech Project to maximise their yield per hectare.