Nana Kwame Amankwatia, Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut farmers Association, has appealed to cocoa farmers to adopt modern technological methods of farming to increase production.
He said application of fertilizers and other modern methods of farming up to the drying of the crop should be their prime concern in their efforts to expand their farms and also increase the yield.
Nana Amankwatia was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi on Monday after the ushering into office of two newly elected district chief farmers from Ahafo Ano South and Atwima-Nwabiagya districts.
The two are Nana Patrick Atta Afirim of Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South who took over from Nana Akwasi Amoateng and Nana Kwaku Duah of Nkawie who has also replaced Nana Kwame Ndwam.
Both farmers had relinquished their posts due to old age.
The Regional Chairman urged the new chief farmers to collaborate with the farmers at all levels so that members would be able to expand and improve the farming industry.
He said the work was sacrificial and as they have accepted to take up the mantle, they should imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism and ensure that farmers produce more to increase food and material security for the nation.
Nana Kwaku Duah, who was adjudged the best district cocoa chief farmer last year, advised the youth to take interest in farming as business.
Nana Afirim said he would work hard and cooperate with farmers to improve farming in the area.