GHANA – The Produce Buying Company (PBC) LTD one of the leading cocoa marketers in Ghana in partnership with the Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited (AMG) have launched an intensive cocoa sensitization program in Ashanti region of Ghana.

AMG, a major importer and distributor of fertilizer in Ghana, said that the progamme is part of the company’s farmer-centric approach that is focused on farmers – improving their yield and profitability.

AMG’s general manager, Henry Otoo-Mensah, said that the programme will focus on improving cocoa farmers knowledge agronomic practices as well as sensitization on fertilizer application for increased yield.

“We do not believe in just selling fertilizers and other inputs but essentially being close and interactive with farmers, engaging them intimately, identifying their needs and tailoring the right solutions to address those needs.

“This training workshop will also afford us the opportunity to drum home the unique properties and nutritional value to various farmers within the selected communities,” he said.

The one month sensitization program has also brought on board Enepa Ventures and will be implemented across 19 cocoa growing districts through series of insightful workshops.

AMG and PBC expect to interact with over 1900 cocoa farmers at all the various district levels and ensure that the cocoa farmers acquire requisite knowledge on fertilizer application.

“We are inspired by government’s policy to assist cocoa farmers increase their production levels which all means requires the right input. Hence our partnership with AMG to ensure cocoa farmers have the best to improve their yield.

“PBC being the largest buyer of cocoa with distribution points everywhere basically, we took it upon ourselves to partner with AMG and thus ensure every cocoa farmer has Cocoa Nti to apply on their farms invariably,” Henry said.

Mr Samuel Owusu-Acheaw, Head of Marketing and Research, PBC LTD said: “We entreat every cocoa farmer to patronise Cocoa Nti, one of the best fertilisers suitable for cocoa production in Ghana now.”

PBC, which also has investment in coffee and shea nut value chains, is Ghana’s biggest cocoa buyer in which the government together with the pension fund control a majority 75 percent stake.