The past few years has seen a dramatic increase in vegetable and fruit consumption in Ghana. Even though this development has provoked a lot of investment in the sector, fruit and vegetable production in the country is yet to meet the consumption demands of the growing population.
It is against this backdrop that Hortifresh, an initiative of the Dutch Embassy in Ghana, has rolled out a programme which aims at, inter alia, building an inclusive and sustainable fruit and vegetable sector in Ghana.
Ghanaveg, a precursor of Hortifresh, focused on improving productivity in the vegetables sector. For four years (2014 – 2018), the initiative facilitated the provision of efficient markets, including linking vegetable producers and other value chain operators with the Dutch private sector. The initiative, since its inception in 2014, has seen immense development in the vegetable sector. There have been an increases in vegetable production and export volumes. The Sector, over the years, has also attracted some investments.
HORTIFRESH.
Hortifresh is to establish competitive and professional horticulture markets that contributes to inclusive economic growth and has the capacity to continuously innovate in terms of products and services in Ghana and Ivory Coast. The Hortifresh would last for four (4) years from 2018 to 2021.
SNV is implementing the HortiFresh project, in a consortium together with Resilience B.V., Advance Consulting, SENSE and Wageningen University an Research CDI (lead implementer). The HortiFresh project is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana. The project aims to reach 15,000 farmers and increase their productivity by 20% until 2021.
The programme team is hosted by SNV, the Netherlands Development Organisation, an international NGO that focuses on agriculture, energy, and water, sanitation,and hygiene. SNV’s implementation approach focuses on developing innovative solutions to alleviate poverty through sustainable and locally-led development.
During the launch of Hortifresh, the Netherlands ambassador to Ghana, H. E. Ron. Strikker said that Netherlands are the number one producers of vegetables and fruits in the world. He added that in 2018 Netherlands have exported ninety million (90m) horticulture produce. According to H. E. Strikker, Netherlands have the larger horticulture sector which is helping the world. He, therefore, urged the government of Ghana and the private sector to support Hortifresh.
The deputy minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of horticulture commended the Netherlands for such a great project. The minister suggested that instead of grants, farmers should be given farm inputs such as fertilizers and agricultural machinery to boost yield. The deputy minister also said the ministry is recruiting 2,700 people, to serve as extension officers, technical officers and veterinary officers.
The Hortifresh programme would contribute to three major areas that have been identified in line with Ghana’s development policy. These areas are; a competitive and innovative high-value fruit and vegetable sector, an inclusive and sustainable fruit and vegetable sector and a conducive business climate that facilitates the development of the fruit and vegetable sector.
At the end of the four years programme, Hortifresh seeks to meet these targets. 20% increase in yield per hectare of selected fruits and vegetables, 25% increase in exports volumes of fruits and vegetables, reach out to 15000 farmers and out growers and 25% increase in turnover of SME business supported.
Source: Priscilla Ahovi/agrictoday.com.gh
