<p></p><p>Farmers in the Banda District of Brong Ahafo region have received 5,700 crafted cashew seedlings from the Banda District Assembly under Government’s Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) programme.</p> <p>PERD government initiative to develop seven main selected crops such as Cashew, Coffee, Oil palm, Citrus, Cotton, Coconut, and Shea into cash crops. As result, MMDA’s are expected to develop an agricultural project initiative taking into consideration one or two of the identified crops to support farmers in their various areas.</p><p>The crafted seedlings are an improved variety with a shorter maturity and would produce improved yields and good harvest compared to the local breeds. </p><p>The District Chief Executive, Madam Mary Konneh disclosed this during the second session of the general assembly meeting said the assembly would be distributing a total of 7,300 cashew seedlings free to farmers in the district out of which 5700 had already been distributed to 75 farmers with the remaining 1600 to be distributed as soon as the rains sets in. </p><p> </p><br><p></p>