A Cote d'Ivoire researcher has decided to share his expertise and experience in dealing with ageing cocoa orchards in the West African country, one of the top producers in the world.
"I have discovered fertilization techniques that will ensure sustainable farming of cocoa plants," Dr. Louis Kan Koko on Monday told a press conference at the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) office in the economic capital Abidjan.
He said the results of his research focusing on improvement of soil fertilization will enable most cocoa farmers in the country to double their production.
The application of the results of his scientific research will enable Cote d'Ivoire to maintain the top position in cocoa production in the world.
Official statistics show that more than 1 million people in Cote d'Ivoire are engaged in cocoa farming.
Production of the crop has been falling in recent years due to low adoption of improved planting materials, parasite attacks, the ageing of orchards and deterioration of soil fertility.
