Agriculture Director Urges Coconut Farmers to Implement Fire Safety Measures as Harmattan Approaches

Gifty Fremah Appiah, the Municipal Director of Agriculture for Noranza South, has called on coconut farmers to establish fire belts to safeguard their crops as the harmattan season approaches. This advice is part of a government initiative aimed at enhancing coconut production and agribusiness in Ghana, which includes the distribution of free coconut seedlings under the "Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA)" program initiated by President John Mahama. Funded by the Ghana Exim Bank, the initiative seeks to boost the economic potential of coconut farming and increase export opportunities. Appiah emphasized the importance of farm maintenance practices such as mulching and composting to prevent fire outbreaks and ensure healthy crop growth. Agriculture Extension Agent Joseph Adu-Parko supported her recommendations, highlighting that neglecting regular weeding and maintenance could lead to significant damage to seedlings. The program has also successfully engaged local youth, creating job opportunities in the coconut farming sector.