Ghana Cocoa Board adopts soil-free technology for seedling production

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced a strategic partnership with Chrysfibre to implement a soil-free technology for raising cocoa seedlings. This innovative method utilizes milled coconut husk enriched with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) to replace the traditional use of topsoil. By transitioning to this soilless medium, COCOBOD aims to standardize seedling quality while addressing long-standing environmental concerns associated with conventional nursery practices. The initiative specifically targets the reduction of soil degradation and the elimination of single-use plastic polythene bags, which are standard in traditional nurseries. As part of the roll-out, Chrysfibre, a specialist in soilless agricultural media, has begun training officers from COCOBOD's Seed Production Division (SPD). These sessions focus on the technical handling of the new media to ensure that the seedlings produced are robust and capable of thriving once transplanted into the field. This technological shift comes at a critical time for Ghana’s cocoa industry, which is currently grappling with a projected 16% decline in output for the upcoming season. COCOBOD is prioritizing such innovations to modernize the sector and improve yield resilience. By adopting sustainable and efficient production methods, the board hopes to mitigate the impact of environmental challenges and secure the long-term viability of cocoa farming in Ghana.