The Ghana COCOBOD has cautioned farmers to avoid the use of weedicides on their cocoa plantations, this is because not only are they harmful to human health, but also destroy microorganisms in the soil.
Weedicide are known as the weed killers or pesticides that are used to kill unwanted plants. They are created to kill specific target plants while leaving the rest crop unharmed by its effect.
Weedicides like 24-D, according to the board, have harmful components that contaminate cocoa beans when used on cocoa farms
Dr Felix Kwame Appiah, the Deputy Technical Manager in Charge of Operations at COCOBOD’s Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), issued the warning at a farmers rally organized by COCOBOD’s Oda District Office in Akyem Aperade in the Eastern Region on Monday. He encouraged farmers not to engage their children on their Cocoa plantations, particularly during school days, since this would have a severe impact on their schooling and general well-being.
A census of all cocoa farmers was taken and measuring of cocoa plantations in the country was undertaken by COCOBOD to be utilized for the cocoa pension system, according to Dr Appiah. To improve their health, he advised citizens to consume cocoa products such as Royale Cocoa.