Cocoa farmers have been urged to avoid using mosquito nets and polythene materials in the fermentation of cocoa beans, opting instead for plantain leaves, as traditionally practiced.
This advice was given during a farmer outreach program by the Regional Manager of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of COCOBOD at Mankranso Cocoa District in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking to Adom News correspondent Isaac K. Normanyo, Ebenezer Kwabena Agyen, the Ashanti Regional Manager of Cocoa Health and Extension Division, COCOBOD, expressed concern that the modern practice of using mosquito nets and polythene bags kills essential microorganisms during fermentation, which affects the aroma and quality of the cocoa beans.
Further educating farmers, Sampson Manu, the Mankranso District Cocoa Officer, demonstrated proper pollination techniques and stressed the importance of pruning, manure application—especially chicken feces—and using foliar and flower-inducing fertilizers provided by COCOBOD to achieve better yields.
However, Manu expressed concern about the growing impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the cocoa industry.
He noted that many young and energetic individuals have abandoned cocoa farming in favor of galamsey activities, leaving farmers struggling to find labor to support their work.