Ghana is aiming to enhance agricultural productivity through the efforts led by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to advance the mango sector. Dr Andy Osei Okrah, the authority's chief executive officer, emphasized initiatives to address post-harvest losses and assure a continuous supply for processors.
The authority intends to boost productivity by stabilizing supply chains, thus providing employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. "Mango processing companies across the country are struggling due to a shortage of raw materials. If we don't fix the supply side, we risk missing out on a massive opportunity for job creation and industrial growth," Dr Okrah stated during his visits to HPW Fresh and Dry Limited and Bomarts Farms.
Efforts include collaborating with stakeholders such as research institutions and private agribusinesses to enhance seedling quality, tool accessibility, and farmer training in climate-smart practices. Currently, mango farming ranks as the second-largest tropical fruit export, but post-harvest losses account for 30% due to storage and logistics issues.
HPW Fresh and Dry Ltd, as the largest dried mango processor in West Africa, works with over 1,700 farms. Bomarts Farms, established in 1985, transitioned from pineapple farming to becoming a significant exporter with a predominantly female workforce.
Dr Okrah indicated that the focus is on plantation expansion and youth engagement alongside research investment to solidify industrial value chains and promote sustainable livelihoods. The sector adheres to protocols to ensure consistent, high-quality exports year-round.
TCDA's initiative seeks to align agricultural productivity with processing demands, potentially unlocking the broader economic benefits of mango farming.
Source: GhanaWeb