The Coconut Federation of Ghana (COCOFEG), through the Presidential Initiative on Agribusiness (PIAA), has distributed a total of 10,460 coconut seedlings to farmers, schools, and churches across the North Tongu District. The distribution was carried out in two phases — 460 seedlings in the first batch and 10,000 in the second batch.
A total of 117 farmers benefitted from the initiative, comprising 91 men and 26 women, with the seedlings expected to cover about 160 acres of farmland. Beneficiaries included both large and small-scale farmers already engaged in coconut production, as well as new entrants eager to venture into the sector.
To enhance survival rates of the seedlings, six (6) bags of planting gel were distributed. The gel helps retain soil moisture, improves aeration, reduces transplant shock, and ensures gradual water release to plant roots. Farmers also received termite treatment support before planting.
While many farmers are awaiting favorable rains before planting, early adopters who used the planting gel have reported encouraging results, with the seedlings performing well despite the dry weather.
This initiative marks a significant step in boosting coconut farming in North Tongu, promoting agribusiness, and supporting livelihoods across the district. Officials remain optimistic that more farmers will plant as the rains set in, with expectations for additional requests for seedlings in the near future.
