ABUAKWA MUNICIPAL ASSEMBY DISTRIBUTE COCONUT AND OIL PALM SEEDLINGS TO FARMERS IN THE MUNICIPALITY
Seventy (70) farmers in the Abuakwa North Municipality have benefited from a free distribution of coconut and oil palm seedlings by the Assembly. The Assembly distributed four thousand (4000) coconut and oil palm seedlings to farmers in the municipality. The event took place at the Assembly’s premises on 20th June, 2024.
The free distribution was in line with the Government planting for Export and Rural Development initiative launched in 2019 which is aimed at creating a sustainable raw material base for industries. It is also to propel economic growth and provide household income for rural farmers.
In his address, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga explained that, the distribution of seedlings brings the total number distributed in past year to Forty Three Thousand (43,000) and plans to distribute an additional Seventy Thousand (70,000) seedlings in the near future.
He stated that, the initiative is part of Government’s planting for Export and Rural Development program, which aims to diversify Ghana’s agricultural exports beyond cocoa by encouraging the cultivation of other cash crops such as cashew, mango and others.
According to the MCE, oil palm and coconut seedlings are highly suitable for the climate and soil condition in the municipality as research conducted by the Agric Department indicates. He explained that, the harvested palm nuts would serve as raw material for the numerous palm oil extraction factories in the municipality.
He warned that the National Security will monitor the planting process to ensure compliance and that farmers who fails to plant the seedlings as required will face the consequences.
He also encouraged the youth to venture into agriculture highlighting its positive effects on the socio-economic development of the municipality and the country at large.
The farmers could not hide their joy as they received the seedlings and expressed appreciation to the Assembly and the Government for the good initiative and promised to work hard to produce good results.
The events was attended by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Emil Tawiah Atsu, Municipal Agric. Director, Mr. Anthony Nartey, some staff of the Assembly and the media.
MCE assisted by the MCD presenting coconut seedling to a farmer