A new cocoa fertiliser has been launched to help cocoa farmers to increase the weight, volume and quality of cocoa beans they produce for export.

The foliar fertiliser, Kelik Potassium, was launched in Kumasi by an agro-input company, Agromonti Co. Ltd, in collaboration with Cocoa Input Company Ltd and executive members of Ghana Cocoa Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association (GCCSFA).

The product was approved by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), paving the way for its launch and subsequent usage by farmers.

Ingredients

The Managing Director of Agromonti Co. Ltd, Dr Alvin Amoah, said at the launch that Kelik Potassium had a high source of potassium, an essential nutrient, to increase the bean weight, quality and quantity of harvest.

He noted that cocoa farmers’ income was based on the weight and volume of harvest, and, thus, expressed the confidence that the proper use of the product would increase the volume of cocoa beans that farmers produced for export.

He also said Kelik Potassium was equally good for the establishment of cocoa seedlings.

Dr Amoah said it was common knowledge that officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the cocoa farmers and most stakeholders were concerned about how to increase the weight and the volumes of cocoa beans.

That, he said, motivated the company to develop the product, which was successfully tested and approved by the CRIG as being good for cocoa seedlings and plants.

Commendation

The Chief Farmer of GCCSFA commended Agromonti for introducing the Kelik Potassium.

He expressed the hope that it would help improve the weight of cocoa beans in the country.

He said the cocoa industry was saddled with low bean weight and productivity and encouraged cocoa farmers to patronise the product in order to enhance their income levels.

Sales

The Deputy Managing Director of the Ghana Cocoa Input Company Ltd, an institution under the supervision of COCOBOD, Mr Emmanuel Armah, said his outfit was mandated to sell only products certified by CRIG.

In view of that, he said, they had done the necessary checks and found that Kelik Potassium was approved and certified by CRIG.