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
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