Nkoranza (B/A) Jan. 6, (Credit Adu Simon) GNA - Mr. Adoma Yeboah-Afari, Agriculture Extension Officer in-charge of cocoa extension services in Techiman, Wenchi and Nkoranza, has urged cocoa farmers to spray their farms against insects and diseases for increased production. Mr. Yeboah-Afari was addressing cocoa farmers at a meeting at Nkoranza during which he supplied the farmers with Actara pesticide for application on their farms to check against Akate infestation. He said that the introduction of the cocoa mass spraying exercise and the provision of pesticides free of charge to farmers by the government was aimed at increasing production.

He mentioned Actara, Confidor and Akate master as pesticides recommended for use and advised the farmers against using any other chemicals.

Mr. Yeboah-Afari said the best period for spraying was between January and July. He asked the farmers to engage the services of extension officers in the application of the pesticides. Nana Kwadwo Osei Baffour, Nkoranza District Cocoa Purchasing Clerk, advised the farmers to prepare fire belts around their farms before sitting fire to cleared vegetations to prevent outbreak of bushfires. 6 Jan 09