The Techiman South Municipal Assembly has distributed a total of 111,190 cashew seedlings to local farmers over the last three years as part of the government’s Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) initiative. This project aims to improve the socio-economic status of farming families, boost cashew production, and increase the industry’s export potential.
Mr. Benjamin Yaw Gyarko, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), highlighted the distribution breakdown: 29,240 seedlings in 2019, 56,950 in 2020, and 25,000 in the current year. The MCE assured farmers of a ready market for their produce, noting that stakeholders are working to fast-track agro-industrialization and attract investors. He also announced the availability of 22,500 bags of subsidized fertilizer for distribution.
Mr. James Adu, the Municipal Director of Agriculture, informed farmers that the distributed seedlings are polyclonal, capable of maturing within three years and yielding for over 35 years.
He urged farmers and unemployed youth to take advantage of the free seedlings and subsidized fertilizer as a means to achieve a better standard of living. Beneficiaries, including Madam Hannah Boakyewaa and Mr. Kwadwo Kyeremeh, expressed gratitude, calling the initiative a “golden opportunity” for financial stability.
