Portal for distribution of 3m coconut seedlings opened
THE government has opened an online portal to register farmers for the distribution of three million elite coconut seedlings to commercial and smallholder farmers across the country.
The initiative, launched in Accra yesterday under the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, is part of a broader plan to expand Ghana’s coconut cultivation and strengthen its position as Africa’s leading producer.
The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Presidency, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, said the registration portal would give both new and existing farmers the chance to benefit from the programme.
“Until now, members of the Coconut Federation of Ghana were the main beneficiaries, but the government has decided to extend the opportunity to all interested farmers,” he said.
He explained that farmers only needed to provide basic information such as their names, contact details, farm location and acreage, adding that the land must be prepared before receiving seedlings.
Dr Otokunor stressed that the programme, funded by the Ghana Exim Bank, was aimed at diversifying Ghana’s export base, creating jobs and improving foreign exchange earnings.
He described coconuts as a resilient and versatile crop with immense economic potential, noting that the global coconut industry is thriving with annual production exceeding 65 million metric tonnes and an export value projected to reach $38.5 billion by 2030.
He cited examples from countries like Brazil, which have captured international markets for coconut water, one of the fastest growing health products.
“This is a clear signal that the world is thirsty and hungry for coconuts, and nations that invest wisely in this sector are reaping rich rewards,” he said.
Ghana, he added, has already made remarkable progress, moving from a production level of about 504,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 600,000 metric tonnes today, covering 90,000 hectares across 11 out of 16 regions.
“With the new distribution, Ghana’s coconut cultivation area is expected to increase from 90,000 to 110,000 hectares in the short term and to 150,000 hectares in the medium term,” he said.
He said national production levels were projected to rise to 720,000 metric tonnes annually, creating about 20,000 direct and indirect jobs across the value chain.
“It is about planting opportunities, expanding the frontiers of Ghana’s agriculture exports, generating sustainable jobs for our young people and ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the growth story,” he said.
Dr Otokunor said farmers could register online or walk into the Coconut Federation’s offices in Accra or regional branches for assistance.
The platform is designed to capture details instantly, ensuring swift verification and access to seedlings.
The President of the Coconut Federation of Ghana, Mr Patrick Ndabiah, welcomed the initiative, saying the Federation has set up monitoring teams across the country to protect and maintain every seedling distributed.
“This initiative is going to increase production for our industrialisation and also for export, and therefore create permanent income for our producers across the value chain.
President of Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters, Mr Davies Korboe, encouraged young agripreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity to expand or start coconut farming.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
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