Saviefe, (V/R), June 19, GNA - Captain George Nfodjo (Rtd), Member of Parliament for Ho Central, on Saturday, expressed optimism that the Constituency would become a major cocoa growing area by 2016.

He said this when he distributed 14,000 cocoa seedlings to some farmers in the area for cultivation.

"We will regain our status as a major cocoa growing area," he assured, pledging to commit about GHC20, 000 yearly from his common fund and HIPC fund to the project.

Capt. Nfodjo earlier gave wellington boots and cutlasses to hundreds of farmers in the Constituency and organized special seminars for them on the cultivation of cocoa.

He recounted that the Constituency used to be a major cocoa growing area until the early 80s, when a bushfire swept through the farms, making the people to loose in cocoa farming.

Capt. Nfodjo said the scheme was to help fight poverty.

"My hope is that after some five years, children of these poor farmers can also benefit from the Cocoa Board Scholarship and give some financial relief to their parents," he told the GNA.

Capt. Nfodjo said for the start, the project was targeting farmers in 245 communities.

Some farmers, who were waiting for the seedlings at their farm gates, welcomed the long vehicle conveying the seedlings with enthusiasm.