Hohoe, Jul 6, GNA - Mr Vital K. Agbley, the Volta Regional Director of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, PSD and PSI, has said the potential and progress made in the development of the horticultural industry qualified the Hohoe and Kpando districts to benefit under the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
He said under the MCA programme, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other stakeholders would support an accelerated development of a global competitive horticulture industry. Mr Agbley said this at a one-day stakeholders workshop on mango and pineapple production in the Hohoe District at Hohoe. It was under the theme, "Hohoe District: A Potential Major Mango and Pineapple Production Zone in Ghana."
He said under the pact key crops targeted include pineapple, papaya, mango, avocado, melon, lime and exotic vegetables. Mr John Peter Amewu, the Hohoe District Chief Executive, said preparatory work had been completed in acquisition of land and registration of farmer-based organizations in readiness for a smooth take-off of the MCA.
Mr Hope Amrado, a representative of the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC), said excelling on the competitive international market demanded imploring best production strategies.
Mr Martin Afenyo, proprietor of Marfco Mango Farms said earnings from mango production and processing could outstrip that of cocoa if attention was paid to the sector.
He said acquiring export license to reach the European market was cumbersome with a further requirement of certification from the mango nursery.
Mr Geoffrey Honu, Hohoe District Director of MOFA, said over 2,050 acres of mango and about 1,200 acres of pineapples were under cultivation in the district and appealed to participants to form co-operatives to make their issues easy to handle.
