Techiman South Municipal Assembly Distributes Over 111,000 Cashew Seedlings to Boost Local Farming

The Techiman South Municipal Assembly has distributed a total of 111,190 cashew seedlings to local farmers over the past three years as part of the government’s Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) initiative to enhance cashew farming.

During a ceremony held in Techiman, Bono East Region, Mr. Benjamin Yaw Gyarko, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), explained that the distribution aimed to improve the socio-economic conditions of the farmers and their families. Additionally, the initiative is designed to boost cashew production, increase its export potential, and enhance the overall value chain of the cashew industry.

Mr. Gyarko highlighted the progress made in recent years: in 2019, 2,103 farmers received 29,240 seedlings for cultivation on approximately 7,381 hectares; in 2020, 589 farmers were given 56,950 seedlings to plant on 1,423 hectares; and this year, 25,000 seedlings were distributed to 546 farmers, covering 625 hectares.

The MCE assured farmers that there would be a ready market for their produce, as efforts were underway by stakeholders, including the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), to fast-track the region’s agro-industrialization drive and attract more investors. He also announced the arrival of 22,500 bags of fertilizer for distribution to farmers at a subsidized rate.

Mr. James Adu, the Techiman Municipal Director of Agriculture, noted that the seedlings provided were polyclonal, a type that matures within three years and can yield for over 35 years. He emphasized the importance of proper care for the seedlings to ensure they grow well and mature on time.

Mr. Adu encouraged unemployed youths to take advantage of the opportunity to get involved in cashew farming, as the seedlings were being distributed for free, with fertilizer available at a subsidized price. He described it as an economic opportunity for a better standard of living.

Beneficiaries of the program expressed their gratitude for the government’s support. Madam Hannah Boakyewaa, a 35-year-old farmer from Tanoso near Techiman, called the initiative “a golden opportunity” that gave her hope for a better future for her family. Similarly, Mr. Kwadwo Kyeremeh, 54, and Mr. Anthony Anokye, 60, praised the government for improving their financial stability through the cashew farming program.