Quashigah deplores the way citrus is marketed in the country

Assin-Foso (C/R), Sept 25, GNA - The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd) on Wednesday urged women engaged in the marketing of fruits to adopt a more appealing way of marketing the crops.

He said it is common to see oranges being sold by gutters and refuse dumps in the hot sun. "I believe we can do better than this.'' The Minister said this in an address read for him at the close of a three-day workshop for citrus growers in the Assin District on "enhancing citrus growing and post-harvest techniques."

The workshop was organised by the National Citrus and Marketing Association in collaboration with the International Centre for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) and the Africa Project Development Facility (APDF).

He appealed to women to adopt simple packaging techniques that will make their wares more attractive and appealing to consumers. Maj Quashigah said the post-harvest losses the nation incurs in fruits and vegetables are a great worry to all in the industry and commended the association for linking up with researchers to improve productivity and reduce losses.

He said some farmers do not consult agricultural extension officers for technical advice unless they are in difficulties.

''The Ministry has professionals who have been trained and employed with the tax-payers' money to give technical advice to farmers", he said.

The National President of the Association, Mr Appiah Amankwah, appealed to the government to assist it with means of transport and office equipment like computers to enable it to discharge its duties efficiently.