Citrus farmers to undergo intensive training

Over 100 citrus-producing farmers, processors and MoFA extension officers from across the country will undergo an intensive training programme on citrus production.

The training is a joint partnership between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Israel’s International Development Agency (MASHAV) and Germany’s International Cooperation (GIZ), intended to build the capacity of farmers through the transfer of technological know-how to improve citrus productivity in Ghana.

Israeli agricultural experts Dr. Shmuel Gross and Mr. Dov Rabber will teach two week-long workshops in Cape Coast and Kumasi, for farmers in the Southern and Northern sectors respectively.

In efforts to enhance productivity in the citrus subsector, the trilateral cooperation is also supporting research activities. In line with this, nine demonstration farms have been established in the Eastern and Central Regions.

The training will include field visits to these demonstration farms, as well as classroom study aimed at improving growing practices which if adopted by producers will lead to increased yield and improved fruit quality resulting in higher profits for stakeholders along the citrus value chain.

The Trilateral Cooperation Agreement was signed in 2010, and this is one of several training courses that are being held in the framework of this agreement. The trilateral cooperation aim of supporting the development of a thriving citrus industry in Ghana falls very much in line with the MoFA’s policy to enhance productivity for increased income and improve livelihoods through the adoption of scientifically proven technologies and best practices in citrus production.

A team of seven officials from Ghana (GIZ, MoFA, University of Ghana, Legon and a citrus farmer) undertook a visit to Israel from 28th January to 3rd February 2012 to observe at first-hand best practices being implemented by Israeli citrus farmers.

Two Israeli experts (agronomist and irrigation specialist) visited Ghana and interacted with researchers and farmers from 21st-30th March 2012. In all, a total of 543 farmers and 125 extension agents were trained in Good Agriculture Practices for citrus production on the demonstration fields.