The Ghana Cocoa Board has revealed the downward target for the new crop season, which began on September 10, by 19.8 per cent due to the unprecedented dry spell witnessed this year.
The Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahene Aidoo, disclosed that harsh weather conditions have made it difficult for the Western North region and other parts of the country to have a successful planting season.
He said COCOBOD initially projected 8 Hundred and 10 Thousand metric tons but has reduced to 6 Hundred and 50 thousand metric tons.
This is caused by the usual dry spell in the Western African region. Mr. Boahene Aidoo said there are plans in place to boost production in the next six years by producing more than 2 Hundred Thousand metric tons of cocoa beans.
He assured farmers that measures have been initiated to replace old trees that are unable to flower.
Mr. Aidoo was optimistic that all measures outlined would yield positive results in the medium term.
