Ghana, the world�s second-largest cocoa producer, has warned farmers to stop patronising unapproved liquid fertiliser, AF Confidence, as the efficacy is being tested.
�Information reaching COCOBOD indicates that an unapproved liquid fertiliser, also said to be an insecticide, by name AF Confidence, is being distributed for sale to farmers for use on cocoa farms,� said Ghana Cocoa Board Chief Executive, Tony Fofie, in a statement copied to the Business and Financial Times.
�We wish to inform all players in the cocoa industry, especially farmers and chemical sellers, that the said insecticide has not yet been approved by COCOBOD,� the statement added.
Fofie explained that the efficacy of the product is currently being determined by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), and until they finish their testing and present their report COCOBOD cannot confirm its effectiveness or otherwise.
�The sale of unapproved chemicals to unsuspecting farmers is a crime, and any individual, group of persons or organisation found to be perpetrating this act will be dealt with according to the laws of Ghana.�
He urged farmers to patronise approved subsidised fertilisers to improve yield of their farms and enhance their income.
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