Wenchi Assembly distributes over 100,000 cashew seedlings to farmers

The Wenchi Municipal Assembly in the Bono Region has distributed over 100,000 cashew seedlings to farmers under the Ghana Productivity Safety Net Project (GPSNP).
The three-year project, with support from the World Bank and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which has provided jobs for 207 workers so far, is targeted at producing over 500,000 seedlings to boost cashew production and increase the economic development of the people in the area.
The project is being carried out in five areas, with nursery sites, namely Nchiraa, Subinso II, Akrobi, Tromeso, and Koase, with 2, 500 acres of land. Nchiraa Nursery Site alone raised 43,000 seedlings for distribution, giving credence to the viability of the programme.
In his address before distributing the seedlings at the Nchiraa Nursery Site, the Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Dr Prince Kwakye Afriyie, said the project is aimed at creating jobs and generating revenue.
The revenue generated could be used for self-help community-based projects in the area.
Foreign exchange earnings have also been identified as another benefit of the programme for the country.
The cashew plantation would, again, help reduce climate change by protecting the environment.
Dr. Kwakye Afriyie also commended the traditional authorities of the communities undertaking the project for donating free land.
He urged the people to uphold, take advantage, and commit themselves to the project for their own benefit, while commending the field workers for their hard work and dedication.
The Municipal Director for Agriculture, Victor Yao Dablu, whose outfit spearheaded the project, said the Agric Directorate would continue to monitor and offer extension services and education to farmers in order to reap the intended benefits.
Mr Dablu gave the assurance that Agric Extension Officers would be readily available and follow up to the farms of the beneficiary farmers to provide the necessary technical support, right from planting to the harvesting stage.
The Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Henry Ameworwor, commended the government for the initiative, and promised to help mobilise other farmers to benefit, with a call on the youth to enter into farming so as to benefit.
The beneficiary farmers underscored the benefits and referred to it as a timely intervention, as it has saved money in their pockets.

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