Cocoa production to hit 1 million tonne mark by 2012

The Ghana Cocoa Board says it is very confident it will achieve its one million tonne production target for 2012.
According to the board, latest production figures released in March is enough indication that it will succeed.
Some 735,150 tonnes have so far been produced. This is 42 percent more than what was produced over the same period last year, and also well above the 623,000 tonnes produced during the entire 2009/10 crop season.
Though many have attributed the sharp rise in production to reverse smuggling from Cote d’Ivoire, COCOBOD Chief Executive, Anthony Fofie insists it is the result of improved farming techniques and favorable weather.
He said the last two years have seen adequate rains in the country and this portends well for the cocoa trees.
Mr Fofie added that a lot more intervention programmes such as fertiliser application, spraying amongst others were being undertaken, believing they will propel the board to achieve its target.

(Source: http://news.myjoyonline.com/business/201105/65880.asp)