Ghana [West Africa]: Demeter Ghana Ltd has launched their latest initiative to increase cocoa production in Ghana through the introduction of Polysulphate (Asaase Hene) cocoa fertilizer. The fertilizer was officially launched at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, and is aimed towards assisting farmers in achieving higher yields with less effort.
The multi-nutrient sulfate cocoa fertilizer has been researched and tested by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), where it has displayed the ability to increase cocoa yields by over 70%. The composition of Polysulphate (Asaase Hene) includes 48% SO3 as Sulfate, 14% K2O as Sulfate of Potash, 6% MgO as Magnesium Sulfate, and 17% CaO as Calcium Sulfate, making it a valuable and effective tool for the farming industry in Ghana.
Asaase Hene, also known as Polysulphate, has gained approval for organic agriculture from multiple bodies, including ECOCERT. This fertilizer boasts the lowest carbon footprint among its equivalents, with a mere 0.034 kg CO2e/kg - less than 3% of Urea. The natural make-up of Polysulphate makes it suitable for all soil types, and it releases nutrients slowly and evenly.
This greatly benefits the production of cocoa, specifically offering both macro- and micronutrients essential for high yields. The prolonged nutrient release rate, as long as fifty days, is perfect for cocoa trees. Ghana Cocoa Board has tested and approved Asaase Hene, and local farmers readily accept its organic composition. Demeter Ghana is praised for introducing this fertilizer that offers fantastic benefits to cocoa farmers.
During the CRIG trials, it was observed that the use of Polysulphate (Asaase Hene) resulted in higher cocoa yields compared to NPK fertilizers. The test results indicate that Polysulphate (Asaase Hene), an organic fertilizer, can effectively improve cocoa yields and promote healthy growth.
