COCOBOD bans ‘Asomu’ weedicide

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has banned the use of selective weedicide called dimethylamine salt, popularly known as two, 4D or ‘Asomu’ in Twi, on all cocoa farms in the country because it is injurious to health.  

The ban is in response to the threat by foreign major consumers of Ghana’s cocoa not to import cocoa from the country if the farmers continue to apply the chemical and its harmful effect on consumers. 

The Asamankese District Cocoa Officer, Isaac Adu, announced this at a rally by the Akyem Oda District Office of COCOBOD at Akyem Aperade in the Birim South District. 

Mr Adu advised farmers to contact extension agents of COCOBOD at all times for recommendation of the approved chemicals for their cocoa farms.  

He also urged them to adopt research findings such as regular clearing of weeds, fertiliser application, spraying of the farms, pruning and removal of mistletoes in order to increase production.  

He said the mass spraying exercise has been rescheduled from September and October to June and July each year to combat insects which attacked cocoa trees.

Source: GRAPHIC
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