Kpone-Katamanso Agric Department distributes 12,000 mango seedlings to residents

The Department of Agriculture in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly has distributed 12,000 Keitt mango seedlings to farmers across the municipality to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.Mrs Adam Ayi, the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Director of Agriculture, highlighted that the initiative is part of the government's Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) programme, which seeks to encourage the cultivation of cash crops for local consumption and export.She said the distribution was strategically targeted at farmers, individuals, and institutions?committed to enhancing agro-based economic activities in the municipality.'The distribution of these Keitt mango seedlings is to encourage residents to venture into?commercial mango production, which holds the potential for both economic empowerment and?food security. Mango farming can significantly contribute to the local economy while creating?job opportunities for the youth,' Mrs. Ayi explained.She emphasised that the Keitt v ariety was selected due to its resilience and high demand on the?international market, making it an ideal crop for export and improving the financial prospects of?farmers in the Kpone-Katamanso area.Some beneficiaries of the programme expressed their appreciation to the Agric Department for the?initiative, which they believe would enhance their agricultural ventures.They committed to?ensuring that the seedlings are properly nurtured to maturity for optimum yield.The initiative is expected to contribute to the broader national goal of enhancing agricultural exports while also promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing unemployment in the municipality.Source: Ghana News Agency