The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) in the Western Region as part of its Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) initiative on May 12, 2022, launched a program to distribute 12,000 oil palm and 5,000 coconut seedlings to farmers.
In 2021, EKMA distributed seedlings to 200 farmers in the Whindo, Assakae, Adientem, Mpatado, Apremdo, and Kwesmintsim villages to be planted on a total of 270 acres of land for the 2022 farming season.
In that same year, 204 farmers were each given 10,000 oil palm and coconut seedlings to sow on 320 acres of land.
Mr John Kwamina Gyimah, Director of Agriculture for the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality, speaking on behalf of Mr Kojo Acquah, Chief Executive of the Municipality said the PERD project was implemented to improve farmer yield, income, and living conditions.
“The oil palm was chosen because of its multi-purpose needs, providing us with palm oil, palm kernel, and even the fiber as a home fuel,” Mr Gyimah explained. The market for coconut is right outside your door.
“These crops were chosen to meet your needs as well as the community’s economic goals.” PERD is all about making money. We make money, and the benefits of oil palm will be apparent soon.
Plant the seedlings because this is your future investment. “We pray that we will all be able to enjoy our fruits indefinitely,” Mr Gyimah remarked.
He advised the farmers to seek pest and disease management guidance from extension farmers.
Mr Gyimah assured farmers that extension officers would provide technical assistance.
Mr Isaac Yankey, a representative of the recipients, praised the government, ministry, and EKMA for the initiative, promising that the farmers would plant the seedlings and that “in about five years, we’ll be eating and enjoying the fruits of our labour and investments.” he said.