20 acres of land in Sandema-Kori and another 20 acres at Chuchuliga-Naamonsa all in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region have been handed over for the cultivation of Cashew under the Ghana Productivity Safety Net Project (GPSNP) initiated by the Builsa North District Assembly with support from the World Bank and the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development.
The Assembly has already engaged over 50 people in each of the two communities to be paid 12ghc a day to work as labourers on the Cashew plantations.
The 3-year project, which has provided jobs for over 200 workers so far and still counting in its first year of implementation, is targeted at reducing the impact of climate change and increase the economic development of the people in the area.
In his address to symbolically plant a Cashew tree for commencement of the Cashew plantation project and also to hand over walentin boots to workers at plantation site in Chuchuliga- Naamonsa the District Chief Executive for Builsa North Hon.David Amoabil Afoko outlined the significance of the programme as it is aimed at creating jobs and generating revenue.
The revenue generated could be used for self-help community based projects in the area. Foreign Exchange earning has also been identified as another benefit of the programme for the country. The cashew plantation would, again, help reduce climate change in protecting the environment. It is premised on alleviating the underprivileged to higher ground in agri-business and provide livelihood empowerment.
He added that, the 20acre plantations both in Naamonsa and Kori will all be fenced and Mechanized boreholes provided for watering of the plants.
Mr Akeeda Roger the District Director of the National Board For Small Scale Industries whose outfit is spearheading the project commended the traditional authorities of the communities undertaking the project for donating free land. He urged the people to uphold, take advantage and commit themselves into the project for their own benefit. He also commended the field workers for their hard work and dedication.
Members of the beneficiary communities while thanking the District Assembly and government for the initiative, underscored the benefits of Cashew cultivation and referred to it as a timely intervention as it would help saved money in their pockets while protecting the environment.
The Ghana Productivity Safety Net project (GPSNP) currently works in three communities in the Builsa North District namely Sandema-Kori and Chuchuliga-Naamonsa where Cashew plantations are being setup and Kaadema-Kpipaluk where community members are being engaged in the construction of a dam to be used for dry season farming and a source of drinking water for animals in the area.
Derrick Abakisi-Noiyeng Radio
Good initiative.Kudos to Hon. DCE and those spearhead Implementation of this noble policy for the people of Builsa north District.This project would create employment for the teeming youth in Bulsa North District and generate enough revenue for developmental projects
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