Citrus farmers upgrade skills

in post-harvest handling techniques

Akim Ofoase (E/R), Aug. 27, GNA - Seventy citrus farmers in the Birim North District on Tuesday ended a three-day training programme at Akim Ofoase to upgrade their skills in post-harvest handling techniques. The programme was organised by the Citrus Growers and Marketing Association of Ghana (CGMA), in collaboration with the African Project Development Facility (APDF) and the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC).

Mr Appiah Amankwaa, Founder and National Chairman of the Association said the training programme was aimed at preparing the members to grow good quality citrus for the international market. He said the demand for oranges was high, adding that the Association was making efforts to bring all the farmers together to meet the world market requirements.

Mr. Bonney Young of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) urged citrus growers to join the Association, saying that would open up opportunities for them to obtain credit and to export their produce. Miss Georgina Koomson of the Ideal Providence Fund, a resource person took the participants through citrus planting methods, different types of citrus and post-harvest handling techniques among other topics.