By: Krobea Asante Tofepa Ntomentwene
Mango farmers in Dangme West, Lower and Upper Manya, Yilo Krobo as well as Asuogyaman has been asked to take advantage of the Pack house in Akorley as the newly constructed facility is intended to reduce rot of mango produce.
Mr. Davis Narkoboe who is also Chairman of the Best Farmer Award Winners Association, was speaking at the inspection and demonstration of a Maf Roda equipment which processes fresh mangoes for storage into cold rooms available at the facility before export to the international market.
He reiterated that, quality mango fruit handling and safety procedures were not to be compromised on as it hinders the acceptance of local farm produce unto the international market. He has therefore called on mango farmers to stop cutting corners but to follow the MRL regulations to meet requirement of mangoes for exportation.
In a revelation, he added that the Akorley Pack House Board had signed a contract with VegPro, an export company who have a wide market in England and in some parts of Europe and that, a total of approximately 30 containers are expected to be exported in each season.
The programme was attended by representatives of the American Embassy as well as the West African Trade Hub, who had supported the vision of the facility by providing training to some mango farmers and also training of technicians who will render maintenance services to the equipment.
A quality control laboratory which will ensure due standard is maintained has been set up within the facility, Mr. Davis disclosed adding that the US Embassy and the West African Trade Hub had only visited to inspect how the set up works and to further provide assistance.
He expressed worry about lack of irrigation systems for farmers, and has called on the US Embassy and West African Trade Hub to assist farmers not only by providing bore holes but dams that can help irrigate mango farms during the dry season.
Ending his speech, Mr. Narkoboe asked the farmers not to hesitate in falling on Agric extension for advice on when to apply chemicals to the mangoes and at what dosage as violation of the accepted procedure may result in low quality of the fruit for exportation unto the international market.
Source: ritefmonline.org
