News & Events

21th February, 2013
COCOBOD CAUTIONS FARMERS AGAINST THE USE OF 'AF CONFIDENCE' FERTILISER/INSECTICIDE ON COCOA

We wish to inform all stakeholders in the cocoa industry, especially our cocoa farmers and chemical distribution companies that 'AF Confidence' fertiliser/insecticide, which is being distributed for sale to farmers, is unsuitable for cocoa, and has not been approved by COCOBOD.

The unapproved liquid fertiliser, which is also said to be an insecticide, has been found to contain substances, which are inimical to cocoa production. Tests conducted by Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana and the Ghana Standards Authority have revealed that the fertilizer/insecticide contains Chlopyrifos and Lambda-cyhalothrin, active ingredients, which are banned molecules for use on cocoa internationally.

The continuous supply and use of the product will create problems for Ghana's cocoa on the international market. We, therefore, urge all our farmers NOT TO patronise 'AF Confidence' fertiliser/insecticide.

The sale of unapproved chemicals to farmers for use on cocoa farms is a crime punishable by law, and any individual, group of persons or organisations found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.

We wish to advise our farmers to patronise only COCOBOD approved chemicals to improve their yield, enhance their incomes and sustain the cocoa industry. Information on approved cocoa agrochemicals could be obtained from COCOBOD offices/Extension Officers all over the cocoa districts.

COCOBOD will continue to pursue programmes that will ensure that cocoa produced from Ghana meets the world's food safety standards, and is of premium quality.

ISSUED BY PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

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