By Kofi Ahovi
Ghana's post harvest losses has hit GH¢700,000 annually due to inadequate post harvest management particularly of perishable produce.
Data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has shown that Ghana losses about 20 to 50% of its fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers and about 20 to 30% of cereals and legumes annually, whiles it produces only 51% of its cereal needs, 60% of fish requirements, 50% of meat and less than 30% of raw materials needed for the agro-based. This development has resulted in the country experiencing food insecurity.
In order to reduce the losses, the Food Research Institute (FRI) has developed mechanical and solar dryers to facilitate drying of agricultural produce to extend their shelf lives.
It has also developed food processing technologies and a number of shelf stable products from highly perishable produce such as cassava, fruits and vegetables.
In a related development, Ghana hosted the African Union Day of Scientific Renaissance celebration.
The 46th Session of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) now AU instituted the day to reflect on the immense contribution of African scientists to the development of learning, medicine, numeric, social and other fields of human endeavour.
The celebration, under the theme "Science and Technology for Post Harvest Loss Reduction - The Key to Food Security," seeks to bring to the fore the significance of how Ghana can lose out on farm produce with poor post-production activities.
Speaking at the opening session of the celebrations, Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), encouraged all relevant institutions, universities, Ministries, Departments and Agencies to collaborate to find a lasting solution to the post harvest challenges confronting the nation.
Dr A. B. Salifu, Director General of CSIR, condemned attempts by some individuals and organisations parading as champions of science and technology to organise parallel celebration of the day.
"The day of scientific renaissance is a state event and not an event for private individuals or organisations……MEST, CSIR and other allied bodies welcome honest and meaningful contributions by stakeholders in our country's science and technology agenda," he said.
As part of the celebration, scientific and industrial institutions mounted an exhibition to showcase their achievements and innovations in promoting Ghana's development agenda
Ghana's post harvest losses has hit GH¢700,000 annually due to inadequate post harvest management particularly of perishable produce.
Data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has shown that Ghana losses about 20 to 50% of its fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers and about 20 to 30% of cereals and legumes annually, whiles it produces only 51% of its cereal needs, 60% of fish requirements, 50% of meat and less than 30% of raw materials needed for the agro-based. This development has resulted in the country experiencing food insecurity.
In order to reduce the losses, the Food Research Institute (FRI) has developed mechanical and solar dryers to facilitate drying of agricultural produce to extend their shelf lives.
It has also developed food processing technologies and a number of shelf stable products from highly perishable produce such as cassava, fruits and vegetables.
In a related development, Ghana hosted the African Union Day of Scientific Renaissance celebration.
The 46th Session of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) now AU instituted the day to reflect on the immense contribution of African scientists to the development of learning, medicine, numeric, social and other fields of human endeavour.
The celebration, under the theme "Science and Technology for Post Harvest Loss Reduction - The Key to Food Security," seeks to bring to the fore the significance of how Ghana can lose out on farm produce with poor post-production activities.
Speaking at the opening session of the celebrations, Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), encouraged all relevant institutions, universities, Ministries, Departments and Agencies to collaborate to find a lasting solution to the post harvest challenges confronting the nation.
Dr A. B. Salifu, Director General of CSIR, condemned attempts by some individuals and organisations parading as champions of science and technology to organise parallel celebration of the day.
"The day of scientific renaissance is a state event and not an event for private individuals or organisations……MEST, CSIR and other allied bodies welcome honest and meaningful contributions by stakeholders in our country's science and technology agenda," he said.
As part of the celebration, scientific and industrial institutions mounted an exhibition to showcase their achievements and innovations in promoting Ghana's development agenda
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