In anticipation of the establishment of a pineapple processing factory in the area, the Ekumfi Srafa Pineapple Growers Association expanded their farms and were eagerly anticipating a good harvest. Sadly, their farms have been attacked by pests which have left many of them worried as they watch their investments go down the drain. The farmers have, therefore, called for increased allocation of extension officers to help them redeem their farms from pest infestation. They indicated that if their investment in the farms go to waste, it would have a devastating effects on them and their dependants. A spokesperson for the association, Ms Comfort Koomson, said the pest attacked the pineapple suckers at different stages of growth thereby affecting maximum productivity. Disease According to her, the disease known among the local farmers as “Koyanko” got worse in April/May 2018. Centipedes also attack the suckers and some fruits and eat up the fruits. Ms Koomson said some of the farmers had to cut out affected suckers and replant. She expressed concern about the limited number of extension workers allocated to the farmers and called for increased extension services to the area to help the farmers to reduce losses. Source - https://www.ghanaweb.com