Thursday, October 28, 2010
Mushrooms, Ghana’s Hidden Economic Potential
Daily Guide 27/10/10
By Emmanuel Kubi
INFORMATION ABOUT Ghana’s agricultural sector is currently looking rosy following the sector’s 40% contribution to the national economy and the 6.5 growth recorded last year.
But some farmers are wondering whether the mushroom industry is being tapped in order to realize the full economic potentials of the sector.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE on Monday, Theophilus Kingsley Quartey, President of the Mushroom Growers and Exporters Association and owner of Potentate and Mushroom Complex noted the mushroom industry has been viable since the 1990s when the current Minister for Agriculture, Kwasi Ahwoi introduced the technology as Chairman of the Ghana Export Promotion Center but “has he ever bothered to know the progress of the industry,” he asked saying much attention was not paid by stakeholders to make the initiative work.
According to him mushroom is easily grown using farm waste like rice straw, cotton seed waste, saw dust, rejected textiles and organic waste.
It was estimated in 1994 that Ghana generates 6574mt of waste and that if 25% of this is used for farming mushrooms, it could generate about 822,000mt of the product for export. The mushroom takes 48 hours to be ready for harvest after these materials are used for the compost bag. It grows under low temperatures, high humidity and frequent water sprinkling which Quartey says makes cost of production very low. Ghana is producing oyster, button, champignon, straw and the wood ear species of mushrooms that are considered more nutritional.
Economic benefits
Mr. Quartey noted that the mushroom industry has huge economic potentials that when tapped can change the livelihood of many Ghanaians.
According to him, current production could not meet even the local demand whiles the export market for the commodity remained unattended to.
He said there is higher demand for mushrooms across Europe, the Americas and even Brazil and Serbia adding that records estimated that if “9% of the Ghanaian population could produce 50g a day, it would increase production to 36,000mt and that alone would give the nation $104,300,000 annually.”
Currently Serbia demands an order of 20t of mushroom products a week to feed its market whiles Brazil also need over 23,000mt annually stemming from feasibility studies done in 1993 under the National Mushroom Development Project supported by the UNDP and Ghana’s CSIR.
He was of the view that if the industry could be funded, training more people to go into it could maintain the consistency of production at higher tonnages to meet both local and world export market demands. This, when adhered to he said, could enhance the nation’s economic fortunes and create jobs for people.
Health benefits
Mushroom experts say it has several heath benefits including cutting down high cholesterol levels, preventing breast and prostrate cancer and diabetes. It also helps in weight loss, increasing immunity as well.
It as well protects against diseases and infections, as it contains proteins, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and anti oxidants.
Mushrooms themselves provide consumers with lean proteins as they have zero cholesterol, fats and very low carbohydrates. It has fibre and certain enzymes which help in lowering cholesterol. Moreover, the high lean protein content in mushrooms helps burn cholesterol when digested.
Researches have shown that they are very effective in preventing cancer of the breast and prostrate due to the presence of Beta-Glucans and conjugated Linoleic Acid which have anti carcinogenic effects.
Of the two, Linoleic acid is particularly helpful in suppressing the effects of estrogen. Estrogen is reported to be the prime reason for post menopausal breast cancer in women whiles the beta-glucans inhibit growth of cancerous cells in cases of prostrate cancer. The selenium in mushrooms is very effective in inhibiting cancerous cells.
Mushrooms can be an ideal low sugar diet for diabetics. They have no fats, no cholesterol, very low carbohydrates, high proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Moreover, they contain a lot of water, natural insulin and enzymes which helps in breaking down sugar and starch in food.
Mushroom consumption helps proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and other endocrinal glands thereby promoting the formation of insulin and its proper flow. It also boosts the flow of breast milk in lactating mothers.
The report suggested that the presence of ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant in mushrooms is very effective in giving protection as well as boosting immunity. Mushrooms contain natural antibiotics similar to penicillin which is extracted from mushrooms that inhibit microbial and other fungal infections. They also help heal ulcers and ulcerous wounds as well as protect them from infections. A good combination of vitamins A, B-Complex and C, found in mushrooms also strengthens the immune system.
Mushrooms provide the body with total lean protein that is ideal for losing fat and building muscle mass. It is capable of burning fats to digest proteins in the food, more so when the protein is accompanied by very low carbohydrates, zero fats and cholesterol and a good amount of fibre. These are classical characteristics of a mushroom for the human well being.
Quartey also believes that mushrooms are the only vegetable and second known source after cod liver oil to contain vitamin-D, rich in calcium which is good for bones, iron benefits in cases of anaemia, potassium which is good for lowering blood pressure as well as copper anti bacterial properties and selenium which is very good for the health of bones, teeth, nails and hair. He said it is widely known that the best source of selenium is animal protein but mushrooms can be the best choice for vegetarians to obtain selenium.
Poverty alleviation
Quartey who is also the manager of the Potentate and Mushroom Complex, noted that looking at the huge market availability for the mushroom product as mentioned above showed how commercially viable it would be to encourage the youth and especially the poor rural folks who could not make any returns with subsistent farming to change their fortunes.
Mushroom production he said can serve as additional sources of income for those who are already in gainful employment to better their lot and improve their nutritional source.
According to him, he is now training people in the region to get involved in mushroom production so he can buy from them and process the products for the bigger markets. “I am trying to use the trainees for the out grower scheme that we are developing which we can use to feed at least the local market,” he said.
He also suggested that the National Youth Employment Programme should adopt mushroom farming as a module that can be used to empower the youth in enhancing their economic wellbeing.
He therefore challenged stakeholders and main players in Ghana’s agriculture industry to come clean on the future of the nation’s agriculture strategy “so that we are not seen only paying lip service to the important economic potentials of our growing agric sector.”
Increasing agric financing could help individuals who have an interest in mushroom production to produce enough for the export market adding that even processing and packaging of the product is an aspect that can generate massive employment to help reduce poverty in the country.
Mushrooms can be processed into mushroom flakes, rough and smooth powdered forms, solar dried and freshly bottled under good preservative systems for the supermarkets.
“I fervently hope that Ghana would not repeat the same mistake we made with our oil palm where the Malaysian took over from us. I pray that the many people from the neighbouring countries like Burkina, Togo, Nigeria, Benin and Ivory Coast who are coming for training from Ghana do not rise up to take over the market.
Mushroom is also a non-traditional commodity that could have access to most international markets around the world when marketed well by the Ghana Export Promotion Center.
By Emmanuel Kubi
INFORMATION ABOUT Ghana’s agricultural sector is currently looking rosy following the sector’s 40% contribution to the national economy and the 6.5 growth recorded last year.
But some farmers are wondering whether the mushroom industry is being tapped in order to realize the full economic potentials of the sector.
According to him mushroom is easily grown using farm waste like rice straw, cotton seed waste, saw dust, rejected textiles and organic waste.
It was estimated in 1994 that Ghana generates 6574mt of waste and that if 25% of this is used for farming mushrooms, it could generate about 822,000mt of the product for export. The mushroom takes 48 hours to be ready for harvest after these materials are used for the compost bag. It grows under low temperatures, high humidity and frequent water sprinkling which Quartey says makes cost of production very low. Ghana is producing oyster, button, champignon, straw and the wood ear species of mushrooms that are considered more nutritional.
Economic benefits
Mr. Quartey noted that the mushroom industry has huge economic potentials that when tapped can change the livelihood of many Ghanaians.
According to him, current production could not meet even the local demand whiles the export market for the commodity remained unattended to.
He said there is higher demand for mushrooms across Europe, the Americas and even Brazil and Serbia adding that records estimated that if “9% of the Ghanaian population could produce 50g a day, it would increase production to 36,000mt and that alone would give the nation $104,300,000 annually.”
Currently Serbia demands an order of 20t of mushroom products a week to feed its market whiles Brazil also need over 23,000mt annually stemming from feasibility studies done in 1993 under the National Mushroom Development Project supported by the UNDP and Ghana’s CSIR.
He was of the view that if the industry could be funded, training more people to go into it could maintain the consistency of production at higher tonnages to meet both local and world export market demands. This, when adhered to he said, could enhance the nation’s economic fortunes and create jobs for people.
Health benefits
Mushroom experts say it has several heath benefits including cutting down high cholesterol levels, preventing breast and prostrate cancer and diabetes. It also helps in weight loss, increasing immunity as well.
It as well protects against diseases and infections, as it contains proteins, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and anti oxidants.
Mushrooms themselves provide consumers with lean proteins as they have zero cholesterol, fats and very low carbohydrates. It has fibre and certain enzymes which help in lowering cholesterol. Moreover, the high lean protein content in mushrooms helps burn cholesterol when digested.
Researches have shown that they are very effective in preventing cancer of the breast and prostrate due to the presence of Beta-Glucans and conjugated Linoleic Acid which have anti carcinogenic effects.
Of the two, Linoleic acid is particularly helpful in suppressing the effects of estrogen. Estrogen is reported to be the prime reason for post menopausal breast cancer in women whiles the beta-glucans inhibit growth of cancerous cells in cases of prostrate cancer. The selenium in mushrooms is very effective in inhibiting cancerous cells.
Mushrooms can be an ideal low sugar diet for diabetics. They have no fats, no cholesterol, very low carbohydrates, high proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Moreover, they contain a lot of water, natural insulin and enzymes which helps in breaking down sugar and starch in food.
Mushroom consumption helps proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and other endocrinal glands thereby promoting the formation of insulin and its proper flow. It also boosts the flow of breast milk in lactating mothers.
The report suggested that the presence of ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant in mushrooms is very effective in giving protection as well as boosting immunity. Mushrooms contain natural antibiotics similar to penicillin which is extracted from mushrooms that inhibit microbial and other fungal infections. They also help heal ulcers and ulcerous wounds as well as protect them from infections. A good combination of vitamins A, B-Complex and C, found in mushrooms also strengthens the immune system.
Mushrooms provide the body with total lean protein that is ideal for losing fat and building muscle mass. It is capable of burning fats to digest proteins in the food, more so when the protein is accompanied by very low carbohydrates, zero fats and cholesterol and a good amount of fibre. These are classical characteristics of a mushroom for the human well being.
Quartey also believes that mushrooms are the only vegetable and second known source after cod liver oil to contain vitamin-D, rich in calcium which is good for bones, iron benefits in cases of anaemia, potassium which is good for lowering blood pressure as well as copper anti bacterial properties and selenium which is very good for the health of bones, teeth, nails and hair. He said it is widely known that the best source of selenium is animal protein but mushrooms can be the best choice for vegetarians to obtain selenium.
Poverty alleviation
Quartey who is also the manager of the Potentate and Mushroom Complex, noted that looking at the huge market availability for the mushroom product as mentioned above showed how commercially viable it would be to encourage the youth and especially the poor rural folks who could not make any returns with subsistent farming to change their fortunes.
Mushroom production he said can serve as additional sources of income for those who are already in gainful employment to better their lot and improve their nutritional source.
According to him, he is now training people in the region to get involved in mushroom production so he can buy from them and process the products for the bigger markets. “I am trying to use the trainees for the out grower scheme that we are developing which we can use to feed at least the local market,” he said.
He also suggested that the National Youth Employment Programme should adopt mushroom farming as a module that can be used to empower the youth in enhancing their economic wellbeing.
He therefore challenged stakeholders and main players in Ghana’s agriculture industry to come clean on the future of the nation’s agriculture strategy “so that we are not seen only paying lip service to the important economic potentials of our growing agric sector.”
Increasing agric financing could help individuals who have an interest in mushroom production to produce enough for the export market adding that even processing and packaging of the product is an aspect that can generate massive employment to help reduce poverty in the country.
Mushrooms can be processed into mushroom flakes, rough and smooth powdered forms, solar dried and freshly bottled under good preservative systems for the supermarkets.
“I fervently hope that Ghana would not repeat the same mistake we made with our oil palm where the Malaysian took over from us. I pray that the many people from the neighbouring countries like Burkina, Togo, Nigeria, Benin and Ivory Coast who are coming for training from Ghana do not rise up to take over the market.
Mushroom is also a non-traditional commodity that could have access to most international markets around the world when marketed well by the Ghana Export Promotion Center.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Mahama Charges Scientist, Researchers
Daily Guide Thursday 14,2010
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE VICE PRESIDENT Mr. John Dramani Mahama has urged scientists, researchers, farmers and food processors to collaborate as experts to maximize food production and ensure food sufficiency.
Tasking the scientists and researchers not to allow their agricultural findings in the areas of improved seeds and animal species to rest on the shelves, he charged them to make sure it reaches the farmer for maximum utilization that will benefit the entire the nation.
“Improved varieties and species mean more produce for the farmer and the effect would place more food on our tables and also improve the life of the farmer,” he added.
The Vice President made these remarks Tuesday at the official opening of the second Agric Show ‘FAGRO’ at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra dubbed “Sustainable agriculture through appropriate technology.”
According to him though Ghana is on the verge of becoming an oil and gas producer, there is no way agriculture would be denigrated to the background.
“The agricultural sector has remained the bedrock of our economy and has grown over 6.5% this year coupled with government’s prudent economic policies that caused us to record single digit inflation.”
He promised government’s readiness to support and subsidize agro-inputs to make the sector lucrative and sustainable urging those he called “unpatriotic farmers” to stop smuggling subsidized fertilizer to neighboring countries.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Food and Agriculture(MOFA), Kwasi Ahowi noted that the ministry is poised to move agriculture away from over dependence on rain fed and the ineffective irrigation and mechanization systems in the country.
“We are ready to improve the infective irrigation systems, low level mechanization in production and processing, fertilizer application and the poor post-harvest losses that affect productivity,” he noted adding that adhering to modernized ways of managing post-harvest losses as well as the mechanized and commercialization of agriculture would be the surest ways of harnessing the full potentials of the sector.
The minister revealed that the sector contributed well over 40% to the GDP in 2009, recording a growth rate of 6.2% and also employs over 65% of the country’s labor force.
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE VICE PRESIDENT Mr. John Dramani Mahama has urged scientists, researchers, farmers and food processors to collaborate as experts to maximize food production and ensure food sufficiency.
Tasking the scientists and researchers not to allow their agricultural findings in the areas of improved seeds and animal species to rest on the shelves, he charged them to make sure it reaches the farmer for maximum utilization that will benefit the entire the nation.
“Improved varieties and species mean more produce for the farmer and the effect would place more food on our tables and also improve the life of the farmer,” he added.
The Vice President made these remarks Tuesday at the official opening of the second Agric Show ‘FAGRO’ at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra dubbed “Sustainable agriculture through appropriate technology.”
According to him though Ghana is on the verge of becoming an oil and gas producer, there is no way agriculture would be denigrated to the background.
“The agricultural sector has remained the bedrock of our economy and has grown over 6.5% this year coupled with government’s prudent economic policies that caused us to record single digit inflation.”
He promised government’s readiness to support and subsidize agro-inputs to make the sector lucrative and sustainable urging those he called “unpatriotic farmers” to stop smuggling subsidized fertilizer to neighboring countries.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Food and Agriculture(MOFA), Kwasi Ahowi noted that the ministry is poised to move agriculture away from over dependence on rain fed and the ineffective irrigation and mechanization systems in the country.
“We are ready to improve the infective irrigation systems, low level mechanization in production and processing, fertilizer application and the poor post-harvest losses that affect productivity,” he noted adding that adhering to modernized ways of managing post-harvest losses as well as the mechanized and commercialization of agriculture would be the surest ways of harnessing the full potentials of the sector.
The minister revealed that the sector contributed well over 40% to the GDP in 2009, recording a growth rate of 6.2% and also employs over 65% of the country’s labor force.
Farmers Urged To Keep Data
Daily Guide Oct.20,2010
By Emmanuel Kubi
John Riley, Chief of Party to the ACDI/VOCA and Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE), a USAID funded program in Ghana, has stated that it is important for farmers to store data and detailed information on their farms in order to benefit fully from the value chain enhancement program that supports the farmers.
Riley made these remarks on Friday in Accra at a seminar, which was under the theme “Agricultural development and the value chain enhancement.”
He said 12,000 citrus farms in 15 districts have been surveyed, providing information on the location of the farms, production capacities, quality and other essential information that processors need to establish factories.
According to him, data do not only draw the players closer to the farmer but help the farmers to know the size of their farms and pay labour services in accurate terms.
He said they must use the value chain development approach to target industries, banks, among others as well as production systems for the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector. “We can achieve these by strengthening the channels linking the smallholders farmers to the agriculture service markets,”
On his part, Nuntgomah Abdulai, Chairman of the Seed Growers Association for Central and Western Region said challenges facing the seed producers within the value chain can affect the process if they are not addressed.
Inadequate planters and extension service hinder quality seed production.
According to him, poor storage facilities, lack of dryers and poor sorting equipment affect the production of seeds.
He called for the promulgation of the seed law to stop the importation of seeds by private importers to sustain the local seed production.
ADVANCE, which was instituted by the US government, is contributing to the attainment of the objectives of Government of Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II).
It focuses on the production of maize, pineapple, soybeans, rice, mango and citrus in the country.
By Emmanuel Kubi
John Riley, Chief of Party to the ACDI/VOCA and Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE), a USAID funded program in Ghana, has stated that it is important for farmers to store data and detailed information on their farms in order to benefit fully from the value chain enhancement program that supports the farmers.
Riley made these remarks on Friday in Accra at a seminar, which was under the theme “Agricultural development and the value chain enhancement.”
He said 12,000 citrus farms in 15 districts have been surveyed, providing information on the location of the farms, production capacities, quality and other essential information that processors need to establish factories.
According to him, data do not only draw the players closer to the farmer but help the farmers to know the size of their farms and pay labour services in accurate terms.
He said they must use the value chain development approach to target industries, banks, among others as well as production systems for the transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector. “We can achieve these by strengthening the channels linking the smallholders farmers to the agriculture service markets,”
On his part, Nuntgomah Abdulai, Chairman of the Seed Growers Association for Central and Western Region said challenges facing the seed producers within the value chain can affect the process if they are not addressed.
Inadequate planters and extension service hinder quality seed production.
According to him, poor storage facilities, lack of dryers and poor sorting equipment affect the production of seeds.
He called for the promulgation of the seed law to stop the importation of seeds by private importers to sustain the local seed production.
ADVANCE, which was instituted by the US government, is contributing to the attainment of the objectives of Government of Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II).
It focuses on the production of maize, pineapple, soybeans, rice, mango and citrus in the country.
NFFAWAG Congratulates New ICCO Boss
Daily Guide Thursday 14,2010
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE NATIONAL Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana (NFFAWAG) has congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board, Mr. Anthony Fofie on his new appointment as Chairman of the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO).
A statement issued by the President of NFFAWAG, Philip Abayori said “we the farmers of Ghana are extremely proud of your achievement. Your hard work and dedication has brought a tremendous improvement to the cocoa industry of Ghana.”
The statement further noted that the contributions of Mr. Fofie to the growth of the cocoa sector are worth emulating by many Ghanaians, saying “AYEKOO, mo ene ejuma pa,” meaning congratulations for your good work.
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE NATIONAL Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana (NFFAWAG) has congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board, Mr. Anthony Fofie on his new appointment as Chairman of the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO).
A statement issued by the President of NFFAWAG, Philip Abayori said “we the farmers of Ghana are extremely proud of your achievement. Your hard work and dedication has brought a tremendous improvement to the cocoa industry of Ghana.”
The statement further noted that the contributions of Mr. Fofie to the growth of the cocoa sector are worth emulating by many Ghanaians, saying “AYEKOO, mo ene ejuma pa,” meaning congratulations for your good work.
Abayori Loud Government
Daily Guide Tursday 14,2010
By Emmanuel Kubi
PHILLIP ABAYORI, President of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana (NFFAAG), has lauded government’s efforts of supporting FAGRO to bring together varieties of agricultural technologies and experts with modern technological agricultural equipments together under one umbrella to showcase Ghana’s agric industry.
Abayori made this remark in Accra Tuesday during the launch of the second agric show.
“The fair has come at a time that government has placed an emphasis on agricultural modernization and transformation through appropriate technology.”
The step he said is in the right direction to help Ghanaian farmers move away from using outmoded methods and practices that make them uncompetitive globally.
He said: “post harvest losses continue to increase due to the inability by agro producers to acquire equity and finance in the highly technological-driven economies of the world and that is a great source of worry.”
He therefore tasked farmer to take advantage of the show to improve their lot.
By Emmanuel Kubi
PHILLIP ABAYORI, President of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana (NFFAAG), has lauded government’s efforts of supporting FAGRO to bring together varieties of agricultural technologies and experts with modern technological agricultural equipments together under one umbrella to showcase Ghana’s agric industry.
Abayori made this remark in Accra Tuesday during the launch of the second agric show.
The step he said is in the right direction to help Ghanaian farmers move away from using outmoded methods and practices that make them uncompetitive globally.
He said: “post harvest losses continue to increase due to the inability by agro producers to acquire equity and finance in the highly technological-driven economies of the world and that is a great source of worry.”
He therefore tasked farmer to take advantage of the show to improve their lot.
NFFB to Introduce Marine Fish Farming®
Daily Guide 14/10/10
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE PRESIDENT of the National Fish Farmers Brigade, Rev. Prince Dugah has expressed the need to extend fresh water fish farming to the marines in order to realize its full potentials for wealth creation and also meet the nation’s fish needs.
According to him, fish farming has over the years remained a good profit making venture because of its high demand driven nature adding “Ghanaians consume about 23kg per annum which is far above the world estimate of 15kg per annum.”
This indicates a higher demand for fish products in Ghana but one wonders whether the nation has been able to meet its fish requirements.
This, Mr. Dugah said leaves much to be desired taking into consideration the importance of the industry to the economy and the nutritional needs of the people.
“Fish is providing the people with about 60% of their protein needs and every effort to develop the industry and sustain it as a conduit to poverty alleviation would be a welcome idea,” he said.
Mr. Dugah made during a media interaction at the Trade Fair Centre over the weekend ahead of the second Agric Show being organized by FAGRO.
According to him, Ghana needs 880,000 tons of fish to meet its annual demand yet produces a little over 420,000 tons from marine, inland fishing and fish farmers “leaving a whopping deficit of 460,000 tons. This is a gap we must work hard to close as a matter of urgency.”
Valid records indicate that Ghana imported over $230 million worth of fish in 2007 alone.
He spoke about the NFFB’s dream of venturing into marine fish farming considering species like ‘kpanla,’ ‘amani’ and others that can do well under captivity.
“This is a challenge to our research institutions to help develop technology building cargoes on the sea to kick start the program started.”
He said though fish farming is capital intensive, a joint national crusade toward clearing the fish deficit by 2015 can be feasible.
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE PRESIDENT of the National Fish Farmers Brigade, Rev. Prince Dugah has expressed the need to extend fresh water fish farming to the marines in order to realize its full potentials for wealth creation and also meet the nation’s fish needs.
According to him, fish farming has over the years remained a good profit making venture because of its high demand driven nature adding “Ghanaians consume about 23kg per annum which is far above the world estimate of 15kg per annum.”
This, Mr. Dugah said leaves much to be desired taking into consideration the importance of the industry to the economy and the nutritional needs of the people.
“Fish is providing the people with about 60% of their protein needs and every effort to develop the industry and sustain it as a conduit to poverty alleviation would be a welcome idea,” he said.
Mr. Dugah made during a media interaction at the Trade Fair Centre over the weekend ahead of the second Agric Show being organized by FAGRO.
According to him, Ghana needs 880,000 tons of fish to meet its annual demand yet produces a little over 420,000 tons from marine, inland fishing and fish farmers “leaving a whopping deficit of 460,000 tons. This is a gap we must work hard to close as a matter of urgency.”
Valid records indicate that Ghana imported over $230 million worth of fish in 2007 alone.
He spoke about the NFFB’s dream of venturing into marine fish farming considering species like ‘kpanla,’ ‘amani’ and others that can do well under captivity.
“This is a challenge to our research institutions to help develop technology building cargoes on the sea to kick start the program started.”
He said though fish farming is capital intensive, a joint national crusade toward clearing the fish deficit by 2015 can be feasible.
Oka Foods Introduce Organic Products
Daily Guide 21/10/10
By Emmanuel Kubi
IN an effort to ensure food security, Oka Foods, an organization in the Volta region, has introduced varieties of organic food products onto the Ghanaian market.
This comes at the time when the world is moving away from chemically produced food products to the organic ones that are free from the effects of chemical residues.
In a speech read of her behalf in Accra on Friday at the launch of the products, the Minister for Women’s and Children Affair Juliana Azumah Mensah commended the management of Oka Foods for their innovation and providing safe food to people.
She applauded them for dedicating over 60 per cent of their workforce to women, stressing that this would help reduce poverty among people in rural communities.
According to her, ensuring food security and sufficiency should be seen as a collective responsibility that gives meaning to the theme of this year’s World Food Day celebration “United Against Hunger.”
She noted that unemployment is a huge challenge for government “even though over 350’000 people join the labour force annually.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Oka Foods, Mabel Akoto Kudzo noted that the organization would produce nutritional and safe products.
“These made it possible for us to consider producing and processing our own products to be able to maintain the quality,” she said.
She added that Oka Foods is cultivating over 200 acres of land near the Wli water falls, Likpe and Likpe-Agbozome in the Hohoe District, stressing that they are engaged in multiple cropping.
According to her, her outfit is producing highly nutritional crops like the Jasmine 85, brown rice, tasty palm oil,
The organization, she noted, produces lean pigs, goat and other livestock with less fat.
Jack Okyne, Deputy Manager of Oka Foods, said no preservative and additives are used in processing and storing the products because they consider the health of the people as paramount.
He said though they were able to win the Technoserve Business Awards, there are challenges in accessing funds to buy equipment to increase productivity.
By Emmanuel Kubi
IN an effort to ensure food security, Oka Foods, an organization in the Volta region, has introduced varieties of organic food products onto the Ghanaian market.
This comes at the time when the world is moving away from chemically produced food products to the organic ones that are free from the effects of chemical residues.
In a speech read of her behalf in Accra on Friday at the launch of the products, the Minister for Women’s and Children Affair Juliana Azumah Mensah commended the management of Oka Foods for their innovation and providing safe food to people.
She applauded them for dedicating over 60 per cent of their workforce to women, stressing that this would help reduce poverty among people in rural communities.
According to her, ensuring food security and sufficiency should be seen as a collective responsibility that gives meaning to the theme of this year’s World Food Day celebration “United Against Hunger.”
She noted that unemployment is a huge challenge for government “even though over 350’000 people join the labour force annually.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Oka Foods, Mabel Akoto Kudzo noted that the organization would produce nutritional and safe products.
“These made it possible for us to consider producing and processing our own products to be able to maintain the quality,” she said.
She added that Oka Foods is cultivating over 200 acres of land near the Wli water falls, Likpe and Likpe-Agbozome in the Hohoe District, stressing that they are engaged in multiple cropping.
According to her, her outfit is producing highly nutritional crops like the Jasmine 85, brown rice, tasty palm oil,
The organization, she noted, produces lean pigs, goat and other livestock with less fat.
Jack Okyne, Deputy Manager of Oka Foods, said no preservative and additives are used in processing and storing the products because they consider the health of the people as paramount.
He said though they were able to win the Technoserve Business Awards, there are challenges in accessing funds to buy equipment to increase productivity.
Producing unsafe food is unwise - Ahwoi
Daily Guide 21/10/10
By Emmanuel Kubi
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Kwesi Ahwoi says it would be unwise to produce large quantities of food that are unsafe for public consumption.
He said consuming unsafe food could affect nutritional status and increase diseases.
Speaking at a Food Safety forum on Wednesday as part of activities to mark the 30th World Food Day in Accra, he said concerns over food safety and quality were increasing worldwide, stressing that they were priority areas for governments, food producers, processors, industrialists, traders and consumers.
The programme was organised by the World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Food and Drugs Board (FDB).
World Food day is observed on October 16 and this year's event was on the theme, “United against Hunger.”
Mr Ahwoi said the Ministry's policy focuses on food security and safety, competition and integration into markets both domestic and international.
The minister expressed concern about the misuse of chemicals, environmental contaminations, use of unauthorized food additives and poor sanitation at processing sites, which according to him, causes food related diseases such as salmonella in poultry products and aflatoxin in grains among others.
The need for national cohesion and a coordinated effort from all stakeholders was crucial to ensure food safety, he added.
Helena Semedo, FAO Regional Representative for Africa, in a speech read on her behalf, said about one billion people still face chronic hunger, noting that food security remains one of the most urgent worldwide concerns
She noted that the consumption of unsafe food in Ghana would continue to have a huge impact on the health of the population, explaining that it was estimated that one out of 40 Ghanaians suffers each year from serious food borne diseases.
The total number of outpatient cases of food-related diseases in Ghana is about 420,000 per year, with an annual death rate estimated at 65,000 and a total cost of $69 million.
Other figures, she noted, give a total of 84,000 deaths per year, with 25 per cent being children under-five.
The Chief Executive Officer of FDB, Dr. Steven Opuni said food safety was a collective responsibility and food producers at all levels are responsible for the production of safe food.
Consumers, he said, play an important role in food safety control, adding that consumers must be educated and motivated to make informed decisions.
He said FDB had made several interventions in this regard and was collaborating with Environmental Health Officers to enhance food safety in the markets.
The board, he added, would continue to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration with the Ghana Standards Board, Ministries of Agriculture, Local Government and Rural Development and district assemblies.
FDB would also intensify post-market surveillance activities and organize hygiene training for restaurants, hotels and street vendors, among others to promote food safety.
GNA
By Emmanuel Kubi
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Kwesi Ahwoi says it would be unwise to produce large quantities of food that are unsafe for public consumption.
He said consuming unsafe food could affect nutritional status and increase diseases.
Speaking at a Food Safety forum on Wednesday as part of activities to mark the 30th World Food Day in Accra, he said concerns over food safety and quality were increasing worldwide, stressing that they were priority areas for governments, food producers, processors, industrialists, traders and consumers.
The programme was organised by the World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Food and Drugs Board (FDB).
World Food day is observed on October 16 and this year's event was on the theme, “United against Hunger.”
Mr Ahwoi said the Ministry's policy focuses on food security and safety, competition and integration into markets both domestic and international.
The minister expressed concern about the misuse of chemicals, environmental contaminations, use of unauthorized food additives and poor sanitation at processing sites, which according to him, causes food related diseases such as salmonella in poultry products and aflatoxin in grains among others.
The need for national cohesion and a coordinated effort from all stakeholders was crucial to ensure food safety, he added.
Helena Semedo, FAO Regional Representative for Africa, in a speech read on her behalf, said about one billion people still face chronic hunger, noting that food security remains one of the most urgent worldwide concerns
She noted that the consumption of unsafe food in Ghana would continue to have a huge impact on the health of the population, explaining that it was estimated that one out of 40 Ghanaians suffers each year from serious food borne diseases.
The total number of outpatient cases of food-related diseases in Ghana is about 420,000 per year, with an annual death rate estimated at 65,000 and a total cost of $69 million.
Other figures, she noted, give a total of 84,000 deaths per year, with 25 per cent being children under-five.
The Chief Executive Officer of FDB, Dr. Steven Opuni said food safety was a collective responsibility and food producers at all levels are responsible for the production of safe food.
Consumers, he said, play an important role in food safety control, adding that consumers must be educated and motivated to make informed decisions.
He said FDB had made several interventions in this regard and was collaborating with Environmental Health Officers to enhance food safety in the markets.
The board, he added, would continue to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration with the Ghana Standards Board, Ministries of Agriculture, Local Government and Rural Development and district assemblies.
FDB would also intensify post-market surveillance activities and organize hygiene training for restaurants, hotels and street vendors, among others to promote food safety.
GNA
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Embrace Risks in Agric Sector-GAPTO
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept. 29,2010
THE GHANA Agricultural Producers and Traders Organization (GAPTO) has urged financial institutions in the country not to shy away from risks associated with investing in the agriculture sector but rather embrace them and find better ways of overcoming them.
According to the association, financial institutions should absorb these risks and offer tailored solutions to address them by providing support through the construction of modernized irrigation systems where the sector would not rely solely on rain feed cropping.
Speaking in an interview on Rite FM in Somanya recently, the Secretary General of GAPTO, Haruna Agesheka said agriculture in Ghana is risky because of the rain-fed nature of the sector adding it is not a prudent way sustain the nation’s agriculture.
Agesheka said the over-dependence on rainfall has made the production of certain agriculture products unprofitable due to lean seasons and the lack of processing and storage facilities to preserve the annual glut that affects farmers.
“Because we rely on the rains all year round for farming, banks do not want to give money to people involved in onion, leafy vegetables and tomato cultivation since they will not get their profits back at the end of the day,” he lamented.
The General Secretary said because of this Ghana has to import such produce from Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d’ ivoire and Togo during the lean season “even though Ghana has more fertile lands in abundance than these countries.”
He noted that the situation can be reversed “if financial institutions invest heavily in the construction of irrigation dams to increase productivity and sustenance.”
“Banks should not run away from the risks involved in agriculture but rather absorb the risks by ensuring that we have water throughout the whole year to grow our crops, harvest them and pay back the loans they have offered to us,” he added.
He said organizations like FAGRO, insurance companies and institution who are experts in agro risk management should be brought on board to formulate plans to reduce risks in the sector.
He noted that modern techniques in irrigation systems can be fully harnessed to the benefit of small holder farmer towards the realization of reducing poverty among them.
Mr. Agesheka also charged government to move away from conducting irrigation projects on a pilot basis into full-scale implementation.
“It is time for governments do away with pilot projects on irrigation and work hard to sustain the sector.”
Daily Guide: Sept. 29,2010
THE GHANA Agricultural Producers and Traders Organization (GAPTO) has urged financial institutions in the country not to shy away from risks associated with investing in the agriculture sector but rather embrace them and find better ways of overcoming them.
According to the association, financial institutions should absorb these risks and offer tailored solutions to address them by providing support through the construction of modernized irrigation systems where the sector would not rely solely on rain feed cropping.
Speaking in an interview on Rite FM in Somanya recently, the Secretary General of GAPTO, Haruna Agesheka said agriculture in Ghana is risky because of the rain-fed nature of the sector adding it is not a prudent way sustain the nation’s agriculture.
Agesheka said the over-dependence on rainfall has made the production of certain agriculture products unprofitable due to lean seasons and the lack of processing and storage facilities to preserve the annual glut that affects farmers.
“Because we rely on the rains all year round for farming, banks do not want to give money to people involved in onion, leafy vegetables and tomato cultivation since they will not get their profits back at the end of the day,” he lamented.
The General Secretary said because of this Ghana has to import such produce from Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d’ ivoire and Togo during the lean season “even though Ghana has more fertile lands in abundance than these countries.”
He noted that the situation can be reversed “if financial institutions invest heavily in the construction of irrigation dams to increase productivity and sustenance.”
“Banks should not run away from the risks involved in agriculture but rather absorb the risks by ensuring that we have water throughout the whole year to grow our crops, harvest them and pay back the loans they have offered to us,” he added.
He said organizations like FAGRO, insurance companies and institution who are experts in agro risk management should be brought on board to formulate plans to reduce risks in the sector.
He noted that modern techniques in irrigation systems can be fully harnessed to the benefit of small holder farmer towards the realization of reducing poverty among them.
Mr. Agesheka also charged government to move away from conducting irrigation projects on a pilot basis into full-scale implementation.
“It is time for governments do away with pilot projects on irrigation and work hard to sustain the sector.”
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Farmers Forum With Kubi: Mills Pledges Support for Private Sector.
PRESIDENT Mills has pledged his administration’s preparedness to support the private sector to i..."
FAGRO Poised for Grand Show
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE NATIONAL Food and Agric Show (FAGRO), slated to take place in Accra from October 12-17 this year has received support from over 40 companies both international and local including media partners ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the show.
In a chat with DAILY GUIDE, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Exhibition Director for FAGRO which will be held at the Ghana International Trade Fair Center said based on the large number of companies that have expressed their commitment to support event, it is bound to be an enormous success.
She said companies who have shown interest are operating at various levels in the agricultural value chain system ranging from manufacturing, marketing, finance and agro-chemicals to agricultural support-based organizations in the country.
They include Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Millennium Development Authority (MIDA), Prairie Aveyime Rice, CFAO-Ghana, Yara-Ghana, Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF), First Capital Plus and Pioneer Food Cannery.
She said others are Cottage Italia, Indomie, ACDI VOCA/ADVANS GHANA, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPPS), Pepsi, Gablin Foods Limited, Borges Olive Oil, Somovision, Sigma Group, Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), Traditional Caterers Association, DOMOD Aluminum Company and Rose Aluminum Company.
Media partners for the show are Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Metro TV, Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, the Heritage, Ghanaian Observer, Business Week and Financial Intelligence. Radio stations that are onboard for the event nationwide include Choice FM, Rite FM, Skyy Power, Aseda FM, Eagle FM, Ahomka FM, Fylla FM, Lorlonyo FM, Assh FM and Ark FM.
Ms. Akosa also revealed plans for a regional food competition the between Ghana National Caterers Association and students from the National Vocational and Technical Institutions to be held in the regions. Besides the competition there will be Practical Field Demonstrations by five Agricultural Training Colleges and daily seminars which would attempt to address the myriad challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
According to the exhibition director, the increase in sponsorship for the show is an indication of the commitment from both private and public sectors to transform the country’s agricultural sector into a modern one.
She said such collaborations of stakeholders were necessary since government cannot embark upon the task of revolutionalizing the agricultural sector.
She noted further that the theme for this year’s show, “Sustainable agriculture through appropriate technology,” will offer new business opportunities in the agricultural sector for companies to invest in especially in the area of modern agricultural technologies.
Ms Akosa called on other exhibitors and stakeholders who are not yet on board to do so “so that together we can promote sustainability in our agricultural sector.”
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE NATIONAL Food and Agric Show (FAGRO), slated to take place in Accra from October 12-17 this year has received support from over 40 companies both international and local including media partners ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the show.
In a chat with DAILY GUIDE, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Exhibition Director for FAGRO which will be held at the Ghana International Trade Fair Center said based on the large number of companies that have expressed their commitment to support event, it is bound to be an enormous success.
She said companies who have shown interest are operating at various levels in the agricultural value chain system ranging from manufacturing, marketing, finance and agro-chemicals to agricultural support-based organizations in the country.
They include Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Millennium Development Authority (MIDA), Prairie Aveyime Rice, CFAO-Ghana, Yara-Ghana, Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF), First Capital Plus and Pioneer Food Cannery.
She said others are Cottage Italia, Indomie, ACDI VOCA/ADVANS GHANA, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GHIPPS), Pepsi, Gablin Foods Limited, Borges Olive Oil, Somovision, Sigma Group, Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), Traditional Caterers Association, DOMOD Aluminum Company and Rose Aluminum Company.
Media partners for the show are Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Metro TV, Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, the Heritage, Ghanaian Observer, Business Week and Financial Intelligence. Radio stations that are onboard for the event nationwide include Choice FM, Rite FM, Skyy Power, Aseda FM, Eagle FM, Ahomka FM, Fylla FM, Lorlonyo FM, Assh FM and Ark FM.
Ms. Akosa also revealed plans for a regional food competition the between Ghana National Caterers Association and students from the National Vocational and Technical Institutions to be held in the regions. Besides the competition there will be Practical Field Demonstrations by five Agricultural Training Colleges and daily seminars which would attempt to address the myriad challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
According to the exhibition director, the increase in sponsorship for the show is an indication of the commitment from both private and public sectors to transform the country’s agricultural sector into a modern one.
She said such collaborations of stakeholders were necessary since government cannot embark upon the task of revolutionalizing the agricultural sector.
She noted further that the theme for this year’s show, “Sustainable agriculture through appropriate technology,” will offer new business opportunities in the agricultural sector for companies to invest in especially in the area of modern agricultural technologies.
Ms Akosa called on other exhibitors and stakeholders who are not yet on board to do so “so that together we can promote sustainability in our agricultural sector.”
Organic Fertilizer for Farmers
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE DEPUTY MINISTER for Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in charge of crops, Yaw Effa-Baffi has urged farmers, Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and players in the agricultural industry to consider shifting away from encouraging the use of chemical fertilizers to organic ones.
According to him, the basic idea of using fertilizers is to boost food and raw material production to feed our factories and ensure food sufficiency but the high cost of these chemical fertilizers rather increases the overhead cost of production for farmers and leave negative residual effects on the soil.
The deputy minister made the observation in a speech read on his behalf by Vesper Suglo, Director of Land Protection and Regulatory Directorate in Accra during the launch of the new organic fertilizers DI Grow Green and the DI Grow Red.
Effa-Baffi said “the cost of chemical fertilizers is about US $700 per ton using urea as the standard in inland areas like Malawi and Uganda. This price increases when transport cost is added and this is not too different from Ghana,” he said.
He was of the view that “even if fertilizers are used rather than agro forestry technologies, you must sell enough crops to pay for the cost of the fertilizer meaning other technologies such us the organic ones that require less cash and cheaper inputs is the technology to be embraced,” he added.
Mr. Effa-Baffi said it’s about time Africa and Ghana shifted from obsolete practices that destroy soil and invest in soil health so far as it is at the lowest safe option available.
“Accessing plant nutrients at lowest cost, planting fertilizer trees, nitrogen fixing leguminous trees as well as providing mineral and organic nutrients are possible sources that enrich the soil fertility.”
For Joseph Tontoh, President of VEPEAG, crops grown with organic fertilizers are always free from chemicals and toxins that affect people’s health.
“Most people are moving away from consuming food substances produced with chemical fertilizers. For this reason organic agricultural products are safe and even attract higher economic return for farmers.”
According to Tontoh, organic fertilizers leave no chemical residue in the soil after production and increases plant resistance against diseases. These characteristics he said protect smallholder farmers from spending too much on insecticides and pesticides.
He believes that adhering to the use of organic fertilizers would encourage the country’s produce industry to enter organic niche markets across the global.
DI-Grow Green and the Red organic liquid fertilizer are produced from seaweeds. They enhance crop blossoming and produce no residue in the soil after use. It has the ability of improving the soil’s water holding capacity and improves soil structure as well.
The DI-Grow Red Liquid fertilizer encourages fruit setting and therefore improves fruit yielding outputs. It also prevents flower and fruit shedding thereby maximizing output.
This family of organic fertilizers also enhances fertility in livestock and in beds.
Daily Guide: Sept,29,2010
THE DEPUTY MINISTER for Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in charge of crops, Yaw Effa-Baffi has urged farmers, Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and players in the agricultural industry to consider shifting away from encouraging the use of chemical fertilizers to organic ones.
According to him, the basic idea of using fertilizers is to boost food and raw material production to feed our factories and ensure food sufficiency but the high cost of these chemical fertilizers rather increases the overhead cost of production for farmers and leave negative residual effects on the soil.
The deputy minister made the observation in a speech read on his behalf by Vesper Suglo, Director of Land Protection and Regulatory Directorate in Accra during the launch of the new organic fertilizers DI Grow Green and the DI Grow Red.
Effa-Baffi said “the cost of chemical fertilizers is about US $700 per ton using urea as the standard in inland areas like Malawi and Uganda. This price increases when transport cost is added and this is not too different from Ghana,” he said.
He was of the view that “even if fertilizers are used rather than agro forestry technologies, you must sell enough crops to pay for the cost of the fertilizer meaning other technologies such us the organic ones that require less cash and cheaper inputs is the technology to be embraced,” he added.
Mr. Effa-Baffi said it’s about time Africa and Ghana shifted from obsolete practices that destroy soil and invest in soil health so far as it is at the lowest safe option available.
“Accessing plant nutrients at lowest cost, planting fertilizer trees, nitrogen fixing leguminous trees as well as providing mineral and organic nutrients are possible sources that enrich the soil fertility.”
For Joseph Tontoh, President of VEPEAG, crops grown with organic fertilizers are always free from chemicals and toxins that affect people’s health.
“Most people are moving away from consuming food substances produced with chemical fertilizers. For this reason organic agricultural products are safe and even attract higher economic return for farmers.”
According to Tontoh, organic fertilizers leave no chemical residue in the soil after production and increases plant resistance against diseases. These characteristics he said protect smallholder farmers from spending too much on insecticides and pesticides.
He believes that adhering to the use of organic fertilizers would encourage the country’s produce industry to enter organic niche markets across the global.
DI-Grow Green and the Red organic liquid fertilizer are produced from seaweeds. They enhance crop blossoming and produce no residue in the soil after use. It has the ability of improving the soil’s water holding capacity and improves soil structure as well.
The DI-Grow Red Liquid fertilizer encourages fruit setting and therefore improves fruit yielding outputs. It also prevents flower and fruit shedding thereby maximizing output.
This family of organic fertilizers also enhances fertility in livestock and in beds.
Fishing Industry Gets Regulation
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide: Sept. 1,2010
THE MINISTER of Food and Agriculture, Kwasi Ahwoi has called for collaboration among players in the fishing industry, the Police and Navy to support the implementation of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968) that seeks to thoroughly regulate activities in the fishing sector.
Mr. Ahwoi noted that the lack of a clear regulatory framework for the fishing industry had made it difficult for the resources to be properly developed, managed, regulated and fully exploited.
The minister disclosed this at the launch of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968), which was recently passed by parliament to give a legal framework and clear guidelines to major players in the industry.
Enforcement of this law, he said, would help curb pair trawling which threatens the industry, usage of poisonous chemicals, blasting of dynamites that destroys marine life and prevent people from catching premature fish and extinct species, a practice that is against international standards.
The legal document, the minister said, has provided comprehensive requirements for the acquisition and registration of vessels.
The document also offers the operators the opportunity to license their vessels, monitor and control systems to enhance the industry.
Mr. Ahwoi said measures have been put in place to import and export fish to enhance the growth of aquaculture in the country.
“Currently aquaculture and its related activities are being promoted along modern scientific lines and have been given a clear provision in the regulatory document,” he said.
These, he said, would cover fish feed producers, aquaculture researches and record-keeping methods that would help develop the sector to improve the country’s socio-economic growth.
Canoe owners, vessel, fishmongers and the Fisheries Associations of Ghana (NAFAG) at the launch applauded the efforts of the ministry and stakeholders in developing the legal document to guide the sector
They noted that its implementation should be guided by a human face devoid of undue pressure, intimidation and partiality among others that could brew confusion and uncertainty.
The Deputy Minister of MOFA in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale noted that government was aware of the fact that hitches that may rise during the implementation stage, adding that it would intensify education by using comprehensive awareness creation methods to enhance its smooth running.
“We are going to translate the regulatory document into local languages for those who can not read English to benefit and we would as well reach out to them by disseminating the information,” he added.
Mr. Namoale mentioned that the fishing industry contributes about 4.5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and assured that government would develop the industry to improve the living conditions of the people.
Daily Guide: Sept. 1,2010
THE MINISTER of Food and Agriculture, Kwasi Ahwoi has called for collaboration among players in the fishing industry, the Police and Navy to support the implementation of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968) that seeks to thoroughly regulate activities in the fishing sector.
Mr. Ahwoi noted that the lack of a clear regulatory framework for the fishing industry had made it difficult for the resources to be properly developed, managed, regulated and fully exploited.
The minister disclosed this at the launch of the Fisheries Regulation 2010 (L.I. 1968), which was recently passed by parliament to give a legal framework and clear guidelines to major players in the industry.
Enforcement of this law, he said, would help curb pair trawling which threatens the industry, usage of poisonous chemicals, blasting of dynamites that destroys marine life and prevent people from catching premature fish and extinct species, a practice that is against international standards.
The legal document, the minister said, has provided comprehensive requirements for the acquisition and registration of vessels.
The document also offers the operators the opportunity to license their vessels, monitor and control systems to enhance the industry.
Mr. Ahwoi said measures have been put in place to import and export fish to enhance the growth of aquaculture in the country.
“Currently aquaculture and its related activities are being promoted along modern scientific lines and have been given a clear provision in the regulatory document,” he said.
These, he said, would cover fish feed producers, aquaculture researches and record-keeping methods that would help develop the sector to improve the country’s socio-economic growth.
Canoe owners, vessel, fishmongers and the Fisheries Associations of Ghana (NAFAG) at the launch applauded the efforts of the ministry and stakeholders in developing the legal document to guide the sector
They noted that its implementation should be guided by a human face devoid of undue pressure, intimidation and partiality among others that could brew confusion and uncertainty.
The Deputy Minister of MOFA in charge of Fisheries, Nii Amasah Namoale noted that government was aware of the fact that hitches that may rise during the implementation stage, adding that it would intensify education by using comprehensive awareness creation methods to enhance its smooth running.
“We are going to translate the regulatory document into local languages for those who can not read English to benefit and we would as well reach out to them by disseminating the information,” he added.
Mr. Namoale mentioned that the fishing industry contributes about 4.5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and assured that government would develop the industry to improve the living conditions of the people.
Ghana’s Fish deficit Hits 460,000 Tonnes
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
THE CHAIRMAN of the Fisheries Commission, Mike Akyeampong has hinted that though Ghana’s fishing industry is contributing significantly to socio-economic development of the country various measures must be adopted to address the yawning deficit of about 460,000 tonnes.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that “Ghana’s annual total requirement of fish is estimated at 880,000 tonnes while annual fish production averaged 420, 000 tonnes in 2007, leaving an annual deficit of 460,000 tonnes.”
In an interview with DAILY GUIDE last week in Accra he noted that the total input in the fisheries sector in 2007 amounted to 212,945.42 tonnes, which was valued at US$262 million, stressing that “Ghana is not self sufficient in fish production.”
He was of the view that the development of aquaculture would help bridge the yawning gap.
The Ghana Statistical Service in 2002 revealed that about 2 million people, representing about 10 per cent of the nation’s population, depend on the sector for their livelihood.
It was also estimated that Ghana’s per capital fish consumption increased above the global average of 13kg per capital to about 23kg per capital in 2007.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that in view of the potential that exist in the fishing industry it would be prudent to exploit the resources as demanded by international conventions.
Specific estimates at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) indicate that 110, 000 small-scale fishermen are engaged in the marine sector with many women engaged in processing, marketing and ancillary activities.
The Chairman of the Fisheries Commission said about 71,000 people were found to be small-scale fishermen along the Volta lake with over 20,000 women operating in the marketing sector. These, he noted, point to the fact that the fishing sector supports many people, explaining that it could create more jobs for the people.
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
THE CHAIRMAN of the Fisheries Commission, Mike Akyeampong has hinted that though Ghana’s fishing industry is contributing significantly to socio-economic development of the country various measures must be adopted to address the yawning deficit of about 460,000 tonnes.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that “Ghana’s annual total requirement of fish is estimated at 880,000 tonnes while annual fish production averaged 420, 000 tonnes in 2007, leaving an annual deficit of 460,000 tonnes.”
In an interview with DAILY GUIDE last week in Accra he noted that the total input in the fisheries sector in 2007 amounted to 212,945.42 tonnes, which was valued at US$262 million, stressing that “Ghana is not self sufficient in fish production.”
He was of the view that the development of aquaculture would help bridge the yawning gap.
The Ghana Statistical Service in 2002 revealed that about 2 million people, representing about 10 per cent of the nation’s population, depend on the sector for their livelihood.
It was also estimated that Ghana’s per capital fish consumption increased above the global average of 13kg per capital to about 23kg per capital in 2007.
Mr. Akyeampong noted that in view of the potential that exist in the fishing industry it would be prudent to exploit the resources as demanded by international conventions.
Specific estimates at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) indicate that 110, 000 small-scale fishermen are engaged in the marine sector with many women engaged in processing, marketing and ancillary activities.
The Chairman of the Fisheries Commission said about 71,000 people were found to be small-scale fishermen along the Volta lake with over 20,000 women operating in the marketing sector. These, he noted, point to the fact that the fishing sector supports many people, explaining that it could create more jobs for the people.
Gov’t Encourages Fertilizer Use
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
GOVERNMENT has encouraged farmers to change from fertilizer application of 8kg per hectare to 20kg per hectare, which is an approved standard by NEPAD for countries in the sub-region.
Most farmers are ignorant about the proper application of the correct amount of fertilizers per hectare to boost their yield.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE, Justice Amoah, Deputy Director of Field Service, who doubles as the Desk Officer for Fertilizer Supply System, said that lack of education, high cost of fertilizers, among others contribute significantly to the low fertilizer application that affect production.
This, according to him, has been a source of worry to government, adding that some of the farmers obtain the coupons and hide them while others divert the coupons from getting to the actual beneficiaries.
According to Mr. Amoah, government has decided to introduce the Waybill system, explaining that fertilizer companies would have to import, clear the fertilizers from the ports, pay all charges and deliver them to the designated regions and districts.
“We would therefore pay the recommended subsidy per 50kg after sales upon presentation and reconciliation of the relevant waybills presented by the companies after its authentication by regional or district directors of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,” he said.
He noted that government’s fertilizer subsidy programme for the 2010 farming season was 100,000 metric tonnes at the cost of GH¢32 million.
GH¢ 6.5 is paid for clearing, GH¢ 5.00 for transport and GH¢.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢ 17.00 for NPK.
This means that government is paying GH¢ 17.00 out of the approved price of GH¢27.00 for 50kg bag of NPK fertilizer.
For Urea, government pays GH¢ 6.5 for clearing, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading while GH¢ 3.5 goes for the incidentals adding up to GH¢15.00, which is the subsidized amount out of the approved selling price of GH¢25.00.
With regard to Sulphate of Amonia, GH¢6.5 is paid as clearing charges, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading and GH¢4.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢16 out of the approved selling price of GH¢18.00 irrespective of which part of the country they find themselves.
In countries like Latin America 99kg is applied per a hectare, 109kg/ha in South Asia and 149kg/ha in East and South East Asia.
Daily Guide:Sept.1,2010
GOVERNMENT has encouraged farmers to change from fertilizer application of 8kg per hectare to 20kg per hectare, which is an approved standard by NEPAD for countries in the sub-region.
Most farmers are ignorant about the proper application of the correct amount of fertilizers per hectare to boost their yield.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE, Justice Amoah, Deputy Director of Field Service, who doubles as the Desk Officer for Fertilizer Supply System, said that lack of education, high cost of fertilizers, among others contribute significantly to the low fertilizer application that affect production.
This, according to him, has been a source of worry to government, adding that some of the farmers obtain the coupons and hide them while others divert the coupons from getting to the actual beneficiaries.
According to Mr. Amoah, government has decided to introduce the Waybill system, explaining that fertilizer companies would have to import, clear the fertilizers from the ports, pay all charges and deliver them to the designated regions and districts.
“We would therefore pay the recommended subsidy per 50kg after sales upon presentation and reconciliation of the relevant waybills presented by the companies after its authentication by regional or district directors of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,” he said.
He noted that government’s fertilizer subsidy programme for the 2010 farming season was 100,000 metric tonnes at the cost of GH¢32 million.
GH¢ 6.5 is paid for clearing, GH¢ 5.00 for transport and GH¢.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢ 17.00 for NPK.
This means that government is paying GH¢ 17.00 out of the approved price of GH¢27.00 for 50kg bag of NPK fertilizer.
For Urea, government pays GH¢ 6.5 for clearing, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading while GH¢ 3.5 goes for the incidentals adding up to GH¢15.00, which is the subsidized amount out of the approved selling price of GH¢25.00.
With regard to Sulphate of Amonia, GH¢6.5 is paid as clearing charges, GH¢5.0 for transport and loading and GH¢4.5 for incidentals totaling GH¢16 out of the approved selling price of GH¢18.00 irrespective of which part of the country they find themselves.
In countries like Latin America 99kg is applied per a hectare, 109kg/ha in South Asia and 149kg/ha in East and South East Asia.
Accra Grows vegetables
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.15, 2010
Over 1000 people are engaged in the cultivation of vegetables in Accra in the Greater-Accra region.
However, the region is not noted for vigorous agricultural activities.
Vegetables from the Accra plains form over 35 per cent of the total vegetables consumed by people in and around the metropolis.
Most of these farms are located along the Volta River Authority (VRA) high tension lines that lead through Dzorwulu Plant Pool, Sapemang, Ashiaman, Tema to Kakasunanka.
They cultivate letus, onion, Sweet pepper, okra, Irish potatoes, cucumber, carrots, among others.
One of such farmers is Abdul Wahab who commenced the cultivation of vegetables after the death of his father, Alhaji Iddrisu Sandal, who used to be the Chairman for the Vegetable Growers Association in the 1980s.
Wahab, a member of the Plant Pool Vegetable Growers Association (PPVGA), in an interview with DAILY GUIDE on Monday, stated that the business had been lucrative in the past, but could not state his annual turnover.
Calling for regular training for members of the PPVGA, Wahab revealed that before 1986 successive governments did not address the problems of vegetable growers, explaining that President Rawlings selected some members of the association including his father and sent them to North Korea to study the application of farm inputs and general methods of producing vegetables.
“Now we are forced to use treated water to grow the vegetables making cost of production very high because the water bodies around us have been polluted,” he noted.
He urged government to provide them with wells to address the inconsistent flow of water to their farms and stop the usage of treated water which is more expensive.
On market availability, Wahab observed that they do not have any problem with sales during the off seasons, stressing that sales were low during the months of August and September because most foreigners to travel to their countries for holidays.
He therefore called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and all other related organizations to educate Ghanaians on the nutritional values of vegetables.
According to him, “Though vegetables are nutritious and good for human health, most Ghanaians do not eat vegetables regularly. May be they do not know that it’s good for their body,” he said.
He appealed to authorities in the industry to help them acquire the requisite modern equipment to enhance their work.
A trader, Madam Mary Odametey expressed the hope that vegetable growers would remain in business since according to her, they all form part of the value chain in the agricultural sector.
Daily Guide:Sept.15, 2010
Over 1000 people are engaged in the cultivation of vegetables in Accra in the Greater-Accra region.
However, the region is not noted for vigorous agricultural activities.
Vegetables from the Accra plains form over 35 per cent of the total vegetables consumed by people in and around the metropolis.
Most of these farms are located along the Volta River Authority (VRA) high tension lines that lead through Dzorwulu Plant Pool, Sapemang, Ashiaman, Tema to Kakasunanka.
They cultivate letus, onion, Sweet pepper, okra, Irish potatoes, cucumber, carrots, among others.
Wahab, a member of the Plant Pool Vegetable Growers Association (PPVGA), in an interview with DAILY GUIDE on Monday, stated that the business had been lucrative in the past, but could not state his annual turnover.
Calling for regular training for members of the PPVGA, Wahab revealed that before 1986 successive governments did not address the problems of vegetable growers, explaining that President Rawlings selected some members of the association including his father and sent them to North Korea to study the application of farm inputs and general methods of producing vegetables.
“Now we are forced to use treated water to grow the vegetables making cost of production very high because the water bodies around us have been polluted,” he noted.
He urged government to provide them with wells to address the inconsistent flow of water to their farms and stop the usage of treated water which is more expensive.
On market availability, Wahab observed that they do not have any problem with sales during the off seasons, stressing that sales were low during the months of August and September because most foreigners to travel to their countries for holidays.
He therefore called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and all other related organizations to educate Ghanaians on the nutritional values of vegetables.
According to him, “Though vegetables are nutritious and good for human health, most Ghanaians do not eat vegetables regularly. May be they do not know that it’s good for their body,” he said.
He appealed to authorities in the industry to help them acquire the requisite modern equipment to enhance their work.
A trader, Madam Mary Odametey expressed the hope that vegetable growers would remain in business since according to her, they all form part of the value chain in the agricultural sector.
Mills Pledges Support for Private Sector.
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.15,2010
PRESIDENT Mills has pledged his administration’s preparedness to support the private sector to invest in agriculture in order to make it more attractive.
He noted that the agricultural sector forms a pivotal part of Ghana’s economy and would be given the needed attention.
He said it is evident that many Ghanaian businessmen are not rich enough to take care of themselves and remain competitive, adding, “We will support these players in the sector to make them the real engine of growth to propel the economy.”
President Mills disclosed these last Thursday when he and his guest, President Teodoro Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea jointly inaugurated the SIDALCO fertilizer factory, which is located along the Accra-Tema Motorway.
President Mills promised to support the agenda of President Teodoro Mbasogo to improve the agricultural sector of Equatorial Guinea.
He observed that agriculture has been the main backbone of most African economies and stressed the need to develop and foster intra-trade to ensure food security on the continent.
The visit of the Equatorial Guinean President to Ghana was aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries, which started during the tenure of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.
President Mbasogo was hopeful that the two nations would use agriculture as the starting point to deepen relations, adding that it would encourage other African countries to intensify economic independency and self-sufficiency.
He said his country would learn from Ghana’s experience in agricultural development, noting that they have decided to diversify the economy from the over reliance on oil to develop the agricultural sector since oil resources are not renewable.
“The only way for African nations to maintain their sovereignty is to break all sorts of dependency with their colonial past and promote intra African trade and the exchange of goods and services,” he emphasized.
David Lamptey, a former Member of Parliament (MP) and his wife, Aku Shika established Sidalco company in 1998, which is currently producing chemical fertilizers, weedicides and other farm equipment in the country in commercial quantities.
According to Mr. Lamptey, “Though it was very challenging in the 1990s to establish this company, we were able to overcome the challenges and that is what has brought us this far,” he sad.
Sidalco has grown over the years into a $70 million venture with the capacity to export their products to other West African countries
Daily Guide:Sept.15,2010
PRESIDENT Mills has pledged his administration’s preparedness to support the private sector to invest in agriculture in order to make it more attractive.
He noted that the agricultural sector forms a pivotal part of Ghana’s economy and would be given the needed attention.
He said it is evident that many Ghanaian businessmen are not rich enough to take care of themselves and remain competitive, adding, “We will support these players in the sector to make them the real engine of growth to propel the economy.”
President Mills disclosed these last Thursday when he and his guest, President Teodoro Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea jointly inaugurated the SIDALCO fertilizer factory, which is located along the Accra-Tema Motorway.
President Mills promised to support the agenda of President Teodoro Mbasogo to improve the agricultural sector of Equatorial Guinea.
He observed that agriculture has been the main backbone of most African economies and stressed the need to develop and foster intra-trade to ensure food security on the continent.
President Mbasogo was hopeful that the two nations would use agriculture as the starting point to deepen relations, adding that it would encourage other African countries to intensify economic independency and self-sufficiency.
He said his country would learn from Ghana’s experience in agricultural development, noting that they have decided to diversify the economy from the over reliance on oil to develop the agricultural sector since oil resources are not renewable.
“The only way for African nations to maintain their sovereignty is to break all sorts of dependency with their colonial past and promote intra African trade and the exchange of goods and services,” he emphasized.
David Lamptey, a former Member of Parliament (MP) and his wife, Aku Shika established Sidalco company in 1998, which is currently producing chemical fertilizers, weedicides and other farm equipment in the country in commercial quantities.
According to Mr. Lamptey, “Though it was very challenging in the 1990s to establish this company, we were able to overcome the challenges and that is what has brought us this far,” he sad.
Sidalco has grown over the years into a $70 million venture with the capacity to export their products to other West African countries
Stop Underfunding Agriculture –Kofi Annan
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.8,2010
The former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Kofi Annan has urged African leaders to fund agriculture and commit themselves to solving the food and economic crises on the continent.
According to him, “If Africans would ever be capable of feeding themselves in the future then the time has come to help pull out the 300,000 Africans who are under the devastating effects of hunger and poverty.”
He said Africans have the potential to overcome the huge challenges of poverty and hunger and transform agriculture into an engine of economic development.
He added that African leaders must adopt pragmatic policies and look for strong partnerships to enable them harness the full potential in the agric sector for the betterment of their people.
Kofi Annan made these observations at African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) held in Accra last week.
It is estimated that over one million people across the globe are faced with severe hunger out of which 300,000 people are affected on the African continent.
He noted that “the problems seem to be systemic and so should involve fundamental changes in government’s priorities and policies to strengthen food value chains that engage people at all stages.”
Kofi Annan also commended AGRA for taking the giant step to lead the African Green revolution, which according to him, was very dear to his heart.
He urged various organizations involved to educate farmers on the application of fertilizer, stressing that AGRA is on course to strengthen farmer’s access to market and also train them in market functions,
Mr. Annan said 40,000 banana growers in Uganda and Kenya have earned over $10 million in the past three year.
He called for massive investment in agriculture infrastructure on the continent, adding that Africa needs over US $39 billion annually to archive the full economic potential.
He said farmers need money just like other business men and must be supported by the concerned financial institutions.
The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mizengo Peter Pinda said the time has come for Africa to develop policies to develop on her own terms.
He explained that modern agriculture requires technology, improve crop varieties, irrigation and good fertilizer applications.
He noted that though the challenges in the agric sector are huge there must be a way forward as emphasized in the 2008 World Bank report.
“Making African agriculture competitive will depend on getting the policies right, strengthening agricultural institutions and increasing investments in the agricultural sectors. Agriculture in Sub-Sahara Africa is a strong option spurring growth, overcoming poverty and enhancing food security.”
Daily Guide:Sept.8,2010
The former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Kofi Annan has urged African leaders to fund agriculture and commit themselves to solving the food and economic crises on the continent.
According to him, “If Africans would ever be capable of feeding themselves in the future then the time has come to help pull out the 300,000 Africans who are under the devastating effects of hunger and poverty.”
He said Africans have the potential to overcome the huge challenges of poverty and hunger and transform agriculture into an engine of economic development.
He added that African leaders must adopt pragmatic policies and look for strong partnerships to enable them harness the full potential in the agric sector for the betterment of their people.
Kofi Annan made these observations at African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) held in Accra last week.
It is estimated that over one million people across the globe are faced with severe hunger out of which 300,000 people are affected on the African continent.
He noted that “the problems seem to be systemic and so should involve fundamental changes in government’s priorities and policies to strengthen food value chains that engage people at all stages.”
Kofi Annan also commended AGRA for taking the giant step to lead the African Green revolution, which according to him, was very dear to his heart.
He urged various organizations involved to educate farmers on the application of fertilizer, stressing that AGRA is on course to strengthen farmer’s access to market and also train them in market functions,
Mr. Annan said 40,000 banana growers in Uganda and Kenya have earned over $10 million in the past three year.
He called for massive investment in agriculture infrastructure on the continent, adding that Africa needs over US $39 billion annually to archive the full economic potential.
He said farmers need money just like other business men and must be supported by the concerned financial institutions.
The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mizengo Peter Pinda said the time has come for Africa to develop policies to develop on her own terms.
He explained that modern agriculture requires technology, improve crop varieties, irrigation and good fertilizer applications.
He noted that though the challenges in the agric sector are huge there must be a way forward as emphasized in the 2008 World Bank report.
“Making African agriculture competitive will depend on getting the policies right, strengthening agricultural institutions and increasing investments in the agricultural sectors. Agriculture in Sub-Sahara Africa is a strong option spurring growth, overcoming poverty and enhancing food security.”
Farmers Receive Support
By Emmanuel Kubi
Daily Guide:Sept.8,2010
ABOUT 2,200 rural agro dealers in Ghana have benefited from a 2.5 million dollar credit facility from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC).
The facility is to support agro dealers and 150 seed producers to increase agriculture productivity, incomes and wellbeing of about 850,000 smallholder farmers in Ghana.
Dr Kofi Debrah, Country Representative of IFDC disclosed this in Accra last Tuesday.
He said the project seeks to increase smallholder farmers’ productivity and rural incomes in Ghana by making inputs available and accessible to rural farmers and link them to the market.
Dr Debrah noted that the project would provide credit through credit guarantee programme to agro dealers.
The three-year project, which started in October 2008, is expected to end in the last quarter of 2011.
Interventions by AGRA particularly to link farmers to market would help remove the frustrations farmers go through in selling their produce and boost farmers’ desire to increase productivity to meet the country’s food requirements.
The “Ghana Agro-Dealer Development (GADD)” project would also help increase the availability, accessibility, quality and affordable agro-inputs and seed in rural areas for sustainable agriculture.
Dr Debrah observed that about 30 per cent of farmers on the continent have access to improved seeds for cultivation.
“With the training programmes organised for the association twice a year, we have insight into office management practice and more education on agro-chemicals and its uses”.
AGRA is a partnership working across Africa to help millions of small-scale farmers and their families lift themselves out of poverty and hunger.
Its programmes are based on developing practical solutions to boost farm productivity and incomes for the poor while safeguarding the environment.
AGRA advocates for policies that support its work across all key aspects of the African agricultural value chain - from seeds, soil health and water to markets and agricultural education
Daily Guide:Sept.8,2010
ABOUT 2,200 rural agro dealers in Ghana have benefited from a 2.5 million dollar credit facility from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC).
The facility is to support agro dealers and 150 seed producers to increase agriculture productivity, incomes and wellbeing of about 850,000 smallholder farmers in Ghana.
Dr Kofi Debrah, Country Representative of IFDC disclosed this in Accra last Tuesday.
He said the project seeks to increase smallholder farmers’ productivity and rural incomes in Ghana by making inputs available and accessible to rural farmers and link them to the market.
Dr Debrah noted that the project would provide credit through credit guarantee programme to agro dealers.
The three-year project, which started in October 2008, is expected to end in the last quarter of 2011.
Interventions by AGRA particularly to link farmers to market would help remove the frustrations farmers go through in selling their produce and boost farmers’ desire to increase productivity to meet the country’s food requirements.
The “Ghana Agro-Dealer Development (GADD)” project would also help increase the availability, accessibility, quality and affordable agro-inputs and seed in rural areas for sustainable agriculture.
Dr Debrah observed that about 30 per cent of farmers on the continent have access to improved seeds for cultivation.
“With the training programmes organised for the association twice a year, we have insight into office management practice and more education on agro-chemicals and its uses”.
AGRA is a partnership working across Africa to help millions of small-scale farmers and their families lift themselves out of poverty and hunger.
Its programmes are based on developing practical solutions to boost farm productivity and incomes for the poor while safeguarding the environment.
AGRA advocates for policies that support its work across all key aspects of the African agricultural value chain - from seeds, soil health and water to markets and agricultural education
URBANET Cries for Farmers
By Stephen Zoure
Daily Guide:Sept.23/09/2010
RASHID ZAKARIAH, Programmes Coordinator of Urban Agricultural Network, an NGO says government’s quest to enhance Ghana’s food security will be an exercise in futility if small holder farmer based organizations (FBOs) are not involved in formulating the nation’s agric policies.
He observed that small holder FBOs in Ghana have made little contribution at consultative fora that seek to boost the nation’s food security and thereby called for a reverse of the situation.
Rashid Zakariah whose organization URBANET has been very instrumental in ensuring that urban agriculture is integrated into national policies raised this concern during an interaction with the media when he spoke on the topic “Enhancing Ghana’s food security-the way forward” in Tamale.
He complained that there has been too much political interference in the distribution of farming machinery and inputs to various political interest groups over the years and this in his estimation has worsened the plight of small holder FBOs in the country.
Rashid Zakariah disclosed that URBANET has since its establishment in 2003 created about 113 small holder FBOs and that they have gained access to the technical knowhow of using agronomic practices to improve their farming activities.
He commended Action-Aid Ghana for being URBANET’s major financier in the areas of providing credit facilities, skill training and direct marketing avenues for small holder FBOs in the northern region as a means of minimizing post harvest losses.
The northern region of which Tamale is the regional capital is described as the food basket of Ghana yet about 75% of the region’s population is very poor.
Despite the establishment of numerous poverty reduction strategies by successive governments and development partners like Action-Aid Ghana and URBANET to reverse the trend, the value remains the same.
URBANET was established in 2003 as a coalition of farmer based associations with the major priority of partnering with NGOs and government agencies to improve upon urban agriculture and food security in urban centers of the northern region.
Daily Guide:Sept.23/09/2010
RASHID ZAKARIAH, Programmes Coordinator of Urban Agricultural Network, an NGO says government’s quest to enhance Ghana’s food security will be an exercise in futility if small holder farmer based organizations (FBOs) are not involved in formulating the nation’s agric policies.
He observed that small holder FBOs in Ghana have made little contribution at consultative fora that seek to boost the nation’s food security and thereby called for a reverse of the situation.
Rashid Zakariah whose organization URBANET has been very instrumental in ensuring that urban agriculture is integrated into national policies raised this concern during an interaction with the media when he spoke on the topic “Enhancing Ghana’s food security-the way forward” in Tamale.
He complained that there has been too much political interference in the distribution of farming machinery and inputs to various political interest groups over the years and this in his estimation has worsened the plight of small holder FBOs in the country.
Rashid Zakariah disclosed that URBANET has since its establishment in 2003 created about 113 small holder FBOs and that they have gained access to the technical knowhow of using agronomic practices to improve their farming activities.
He commended Action-Aid Ghana for being URBANET’s major financier in the areas of providing credit facilities, skill training and direct marketing avenues for small holder FBOs in the northern region as a means of minimizing post harvest losses.
The northern region of which Tamale is the regional capital is described as the food basket of Ghana yet about 75% of the region’s population is very poor.
Despite the establishment of numerous poverty reduction strategies by successive governments and development partners like Action-Aid Ghana and URBANET to reverse the trend, the value remains the same.
URBANET was established in 2003 as a coalition of farmer based associations with the major priority of partnering with NGOs and government agencies to improve upon urban agriculture and food security in urban centers of the northern region.
Ghana Meat Deficit Hits 70 %
By Emmanuel Kubi
DAILY GUIDE: Sept. 23, 2010
ERNEST Yeboah Darkwah, Assistant Farm Manager of the Nungua Livestock Breeding Station (LBS) in Accra has stated that the lack of agricultural insurance, higher lending rates from banks and the inflow of cheaper meat products from abroad have been the main cause of Ghana’s inability to meet her meat requirements.
According to him, indigenous Ghanaian farmers are able to produce only about 30 percent of the nation’s total meat demand leaving a 70 per cent deficit due to the lack of fertile ground for them to operate. “It’s about time we see actual insurance companies reaching out to our farmers, ready to augment their businesses when there is a disaster. That way the financiers would become more confident in supporting these farmers to do better.”
Mr. Darkwah disclosed this in an interview with DAILY GUIDE in Accra Monday saying the disparity was due to the lack of confidence by financial institutions with regards to financing local farmers to invest heavily in their agro projects as a business that would enable them meet the demand targets.
On the livestock breeding station which was established in 1938, he said their main mandate was to “breed the large white pigs, domesticate grass cutters, rabbits and poultry and supply these breeding stocks to farmers who would then multiply them.”
He said free training farmers would “take them through best practices that would help them not to cheaply lose their supply stock to preventable diseases, help ensure food security and reduce poverty in the country.”
Darkwah said piggeries have proven over the years to be very profitable because the animals’ ability to withstand diseases (hardy), thereby cutting down on vaccination cost when modern best practices are followed.
According to him, the general overhead cost of pig production is also low and the availability of the markets contributes to its profitability.
The Nungua Livestock Breeding Station has a very good breeding capacity and is “currently supplying not less than 1000 piglets per annum to other smallholder livestock farms across the country,” he said.
He said compared to ruminants which produce red meat, pigs produce white meat which is medically proven to be good for the human body.
“Even the fat in pork is better than that of beef and mutton,” he added. Pigs are also an efficient converter of feed to meat which is also a very good source of protein and energy for the body.
Mr. Darkwah also noted that poor operation of the value chain system in Ghana is not helping most farmers and consumers.
He therefore emphasized on the need to create an efficient and sustainable value chain system that takes care of everyone within it.
Mr. Darkwah lamented over the poor performance of the poultry industry in Ghana due to unfavorable and unfair competition from foreign imports. “Currently most poultry farmers either produce to meet occasions like Christmas or start layer farms, producing eggs because broilers and cockerels are no longer favoring them.”
He said the due the aforementioned problems, LBS is producing over 30,000 cockerels under a government subsidy for local farmers which they keep under less intensive feeding.
Other livestock stations around the country include Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo region, Ejura in Ashanti region, Amrahia in Greater Accra, Babile in the Upper West region and Pong Tamale in the Northern region. They are all charged with the same responsibility of providing stock breeds for smallholder farmers.
DAILY GUIDE: Sept. 23, 2010
ERNEST Yeboah Darkwah, Assistant Farm Manager of the Nungua Livestock Breeding Station (LBS) in Accra has stated that the lack of agricultural insurance, higher lending rates from banks and the inflow of cheaper meat products from abroad have been the main cause of Ghana’s inability to meet her meat requirements.
According to him, indigenous Ghanaian farmers are able to produce only about 30 percent of the nation’s total meat demand leaving a 70 per cent deficit due to the lack of fertile ground for them to operate. “It’s about time we see actual insurance companies reaching out to our farmers, ready to augment their businesses when there is a disaster. That way the financiers would become more confident in supporting these farmers to do better.”
Mr. Darkwah disclosed this in an interview with DAILY GUIDE in Accra Monday saying the disparity was due to the lack of confidence by financial institutions with regards to financing local farmers to invest heavily in their agro projects as a business that would enable them meet the demand targets.
On the livestock breeding station which was established in 1938, he said their main mandate was to “breed the large white pigs, domesticate grass cutters, rabbits and poultry and supply these breeding stocks to farmers who would then multiply them.”
He said free training farmers would “take them through best practices that would help them not to cheaply lose their supply stock to preventable diseases, help ensure food security and reduce poverty in the country.”
Darkwah said piggeries have proven over the years to be very profitable because the animals’ ability to withstand diseases (hardy), thereby cutting down on vaccination cost when modern best practices are followed.
According to him, the general overhead cost of pig production is also low and the availability of the markets contributes to its profitability.
The Nungua Livestock Breeding Station has a very good breeding capacity and is “currently supplying not less than 1000 piglets per annum to other smallholder livestock farms across the country,” he said.
He said compared to ruminants which produce red meat, pigs produce white meat which is medically proven to be good for the human body.
“Even the fat in pork is better than that of beef and mutton,” he added. Pigs are also an efficient converter of feed to meat which is also a very good source of protein and energy for the body.
Mr. Darkwah also noted that poor operation of the value chain system in Ghana is not helping most farmers and consumers.
He therefore emphasized on the need to create an efficient and sustainable value chain system that takes care of everyone within it.
Mr. Darkwah lamented over the poor performance of the poultry industry in Ghana due to unfavorable and unfair competition from foreign imports. “Currently most poultry farmers either produce to meet occasions like Christmas or start layer farms, producing eggs because broilers and cockerels are no longer favoring them.”
He said the due the aforementioned problems, LBS is producing over 30,000 cockerels under a government subsidy for local farmers which they keep under less intensive feeding.
Other livestock stations around the country include Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo region, Ejura in Ashanti region, Amrahia in Greater Accra, Babile in the Upper West region and Pong Tamale in the Northern region. They are all charged with the same responsibility of providing stock breeds for smallholder farmers.
Post Harvest Loss threatens Food Security
By Emmanuel Kubi
THE PRESIDENT of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana, Phillip Abayori has hinted that high costs of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, agro chemicals, lack of improved seed and inadequate warehousing facilities, have largely accounted for 40 percent of post harvest losses.
He said the situation could worsen for smallholder farmers and affect the country’s productivity in the coming years if the current trend of agricultural financing is not reversed.
Mr. Abayori made the appeal Tuesday during the Invest in Ghana 2010 seminar organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra.
He revealed that agricultural financing and credit advances to the sector this year was only one per cent, a development he described as bad for productivity. Consequently, he charged the banks, government, MDGs and investors in the private sector to come on board to help change the trend towards the attainment of food security for Ghana.
He also called of on farmer-based organizations (FBOs) to forester prudent partnerships with foreign investors to give agricultural business a new face.
Urging financial institutions especially the banks to increase finance and credit to the agricultural sector to boost productivity, Mr. Abayori called on investors to consider investing in areas like irrigation technology, equipment, post harvest management, agricultural insurance, the establishment of a national agricultural fund and an export trade house abroad to increase confidence in the sector.
He said sustaining and improving on the country’s 6% agricultural growth means “there is the need for a merger of medium and large-scale agriculture into a highly productive and efficient sector, ready to achieve and sustain the 6 percent annual growth rate over the medium term. This is crucial to enhance a broad-based agricultural growth capable of reducing poverty and accelerating economic growth.”
According to him the current production was achieved by the nation’s smallholder farmers who constitute 60 percent of the productive workforce.
“Even with the inadequate funding of 1 percent from banks, the agriculture sector has been able to produce 1,620,000 metric tonnes of maize per annum, 391,000 metric tonnes of rice, 351,000 metric tonnes of sorghum, 113,000 metric tonnes of soya beans, 485,000 metric tonnes of groundnuts, and 12,231,000 metric tones of cassava,” the president noted.
On poultry, he said about 32,000,000 birds at 1.5 kilograms were produced amounting to 48,000 metric tonnes while there was low productivity for livestock and a fisheries deficit of 460,000 metric tonnes.
Ghana has 5 main agro-ecological zones. These include a rain forest, deciduous forest, transitional zone, coastal savannah and northern savannah.
With a total land area of 23,853,900 square kilometres and an agricultural land area of 13,628,179 square kilometres, Ghana’s land under cultivation is 5,300,000 square kilometers.
THE PRESIDENT of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana, Phillip Abayori has hinted that high costs of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, agro chemicals, lack of improved seed and inadequate warehousing facilities, have largely accounted for 40 percent of post harvest losses.
He said the situation could worsen for smallholder farmers and affect the country’s productivity in the coming years if the current trend of agricultural financing is not reversed.
Mr. Abayori made the appeal Tuesday during the Invest in Ghana 2010 seminar organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra.
He revealed that agricultural financing and credit advances to the sector this year was only one per cent, a development he described as bad for productivity. Consequently, he charged the banks, government, MDGs and investors in the private sector to come on board to help change the trend towards the attainment of food security for Ghana.
He also called of on farmer-based organizations (FBOs) to forester prudent partnerships with foreign investors to give agricultural business a new face.
Urging financial institutions especially the banks to increase finance and credit to the agricultural sector to boost productivity, Mr. Abayori called on investors to consider investing in areas like irrigation technology, equipment, post harvest management, agricultural insurance, the establishment of a national agricultural fund and an export trade house abroad to increase confidence in the sector.
He said sustaining and improving on the country’s 6% agricultural growth means “there is the need for a merger of medium and large-scale agriculture into a highly productive and efficient sector, ready to achieve and sustain the 6 percent annual growth rate over the medium term. This is crucial to enhance a broad-based agricultural growth capable of reducing poverty and accelerating economic growth.”
According to him the current production was achieved by the nation’s smallholder farmers who constitute 60 percent of the productive workforce.
“Even with the inadequate funding of 1 percent from banks, the agriculture sector has been able to produce 1,620,000 metric tonnes of maize per annum, 391,000 metric tonnes of rice, 351,000 metric tonnes of sorghum, 113,000 metric tonnes of soya beans, 485,000 metric tonnes of groundnuts, and 12,231,000 metric tones of cassava,” the president noted.
On poultry, he said about 32,000,000 birds at 1.5 kilograms were produced amounting to 48,000 metric tonnes while there was low productivity for livestock and a fisheries deficit of 460,000 metric tonnes.
Ghana has 5 main agro-ecological zones. These include a rain forest, deciduous forest, transitional zone, coastal savannah and northern savannah.
With a total land area of 23,853,900 square kilometres and an agricultural land area of 13,628,179 square kilometres, Ghana’s land under cultivation is 5,300,000 square kilometers.
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