By Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Crop Research Institute under the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR has organized a Sensitization and Awareness creation campaign to educate farmers at Asesewa and its environs in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region on viral diseases that affects Cassava production in the country.
The campaign dubbed “Save Cassava Awareness Campaign” is to help farmers increase their yields in Cassava Production and to help catalyze sustainable protection and productivity growth of root and tuber crops through improved understanding and Management of Cassava viral diseases in Ghana.
In an interview with the Project Leader of the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology, WAVE, for Food Security for Root and Tuber Crops in Ghana, Dr. Allen Oppong advised farmers to desist from planting Cassava Stems that have infections, critically observe the stems and patronize cassava stems approved by the Agricultural Extension Officers. Dr. Oppong further advised Cassava Farmers and all Ghanaians to be aware of diseases that affect cassava on their farms.
Dr. Allen Oppong further advised farmers to plant viable seeds on their farms and that a healthy Cassava Plant is the one with open green leaves.
The Upper Manya Krobo District Agriculture Director, Hilary Alagbo lauded efforts of the Crop Research Institute in Cassava production in the country. Some of the Cassava farmers also shared their views in a programme that saw more than 100 farmers from Communities which includes, Abertima, Bormase, Akrusi Yiti, Sekesua, Akohia, among others.
