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LIFESTYLE: Amazing health benefits of mustard seed that you must know.

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Mustard seeds are rich in a nutrient called selenium, known for its high anti-inflammatory effects. N The high source of magnesium in mustard seeds helps to reduce the severity of asthma attacks and certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lowering blood pressure.

Health benefits of mustard seed.
It help prevents cancer.
The presence of compounds like glucosinolates and mirosinase in mustard seeds are known to use phytochemicals to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This is definitely a major mustard seeds health benefit.

It helps to relieve Rheumatic Arthritis
Mustard seeds are a source of relief for people having rheumatic arthritis. The selenium and magnesium content in it helps in providing relief from this problem.

It helps to relieve Migraine
Migraine occurrence also reduces owing to the magnesium content present in the mustard seed. A little touch of mustard to your fish can boost the constituting omega-3 content.

It prevents Respiration Congestion
Mustard seeds or mustard, in general, are known to relieve any congestion problems in respiration.

It aids in disease Prevention
There are certain nutrients in mustard seeds that prevent diseases from occurring. They are all a part of the basic structure of the Brassica family to which mustard belongs.

It serves as Dietary Fibre
Mustard seeds are a good source of dietary fibres that improve digestion in the body. They make bowel movements better, thus improving the overall metabolism of the body. The fibre content here is mostly very readily soluble making it effective for use.

It lowers cancer risk
Selenium content in mustard seeds provides good resistance to the body against cancer cell formation. It is known to slow down the rate of development of cancer cells and also acts as an anti-oxidant.

It serves as blood pressure and menopausal relief
A number of nutrients present in mustard seeds like copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium also assist in the treatment of blood pressure and menopause relief.

It prevents Asthma
Mustard seeds are also known to be beneficial for Asthma patients. The presence of minerals like copper, magnesium, iron, and selenium in it are responsible for the prevention of Asthma Attacks.

Skin Benefits of Mustard Seeds
Natural scrub: Mustard seeds are a natural scrub. You can add it to either lavender or rose essential oil. Use this mix to scrub your face and exfoliate dead skin.

Hydrates skin: Mustard seeds, used with aloe vera gel, can act as a great combination to hydrate your skin. It removes all impurities from your face and nourishes it from within.

It fights infections: These seeds contain a good amount of sulphur which is known for its anti-fungal properties. They help ward off skin infections.

It slows down aging: Mustard seeds make for a great source of carotene and lutein. It is also a great powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K. Together these nutrients make for an excellent antioxidant.

Hair Benefits of Mustard Seeds
Hair growth: Mustard oil, extracted from mustard seeds, is a good source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a great nutrient for hair growth. It is also a great stimulant that leads to faster hair growth.

Strengthens hair: Mustard seeds contain protein, calcium, vitamin A and E, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. All of these together strengthens your hair from within. Strengthened hair means lesser hair fall too.

Conditions: Mustard seeds contain fatty acids. These are known to condition your hair from deep within. It also gives hair a good shine and bounce.

Other uses
Removes odour: If your jars start to smell like the spices or ingredients you store in them, using mustard seeds can help. Warm a little water and add it to the jar. Also, add a little mustard seed paste to the jar and shake it well. Pour it out. You would be surprised how the smell goes away.
Relieves Muscle Pains: Stiff muscles or sore and aching muscles can be treated with mustard seeds too. Just soak yourself in a tub of warm water. Now add some mustard seeds powder to the same to relieve pain.
Treats Cold: Mustard is often used to relieve congestion caused by a bad cough or cold.
Treats Back Pain: The extract of mustard seeds is useful in relieving spasms and back pain.
Treats Fever: Mustard seeds induce heavy sweating, which is used to lower fever. It helps release toxins from the body and has been useful in flu and cold too.

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Volta Agriculture Directorate to train farmers in rice seed production.

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Mr. William Dzamefe, Volta Regional Agriculture Director, has hinted that the Directorate is working on plans to equip some rice farmers in the region with the knowledge to go into rice seed production.

He said that would help them to have access to quality seed. In addition, he said seed is an important input in agriculture, thus the need to make it available to farmers at all times.

Mr. Dzamefe, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview said one key factor in achieving higher yields in rice production was seed quality, so his outfit would ensure that the planting material was of high quality to enable farmers to derive maximum benefits from their sweat.

“Rice is one crop that does well across the region for that matter the potential is huge…it is one crop that holds a lot of prospect for our farmers, but we still have room to expand to make us reap the full benefits in the industry,” he said.

Mr. Dzamefe said the region had produced 4.7 metric tons of rice/hectare as a regional average per annum with the figure not changing over the past three years.

The Director disclosed that the high cost of land preparation is one of the major challenges bedeviling farmers in the region, making most of them unable to develop available fields to upscale production.

He said though the government provided subsidized machinery to support them in preparing the land, those subsidized machineries are still way beyond the reach of individual farmers.

Mr. Dzamefe called on the farmers to form associations to raise money to fund the cost of machinery to undertake their activities to sustain their business and called for proper maintenance of their farm fields, saying “government can come in to do the field for you, but the rest of the intervention to ensure proper yield is purely yours.

“Though it is capital intensive, once you have chosen to be a rice farmer… you have to do what you could to make the best out of it”, he stated.

Mr. Dzamefe said the soil had a lot of money in it, “but you need to dirty your hand to get that money out of the soil”, urging the youth to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector to enhance their lots.

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ADB and more organizations commit financial and technical support towards the 4th AG-STUD Bootcamp.

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Several organizations, including the Agricultural Development Bank, have committed their financial and technical support towards the organization of the 4th annual Agricultural Students career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue & Bootcamp (AG-STUD AFRICA) organized by Agrihouse Foundation, scheduled to hold from April 19 to 23, 2021.

The list of organizations includes OCP, MyBarnes, Holland Akokor, CDF Canada, ADDFRA, Sonal Global, and Nanaam Ventures.

This is the third time running ADB is supporting the 5-day boot camp which seeks to build the capacity of the Ghanaian youth in innovative ways that feed into the country’s agricultural objective of achieving food security while providing them with sustainable employment.

The boot camp, annually brings together agricultural students, beginner agribusinesses, and start-ups to appreciate the pivotal role they are expected to play, in building resilience and preparedness towards sustaining the food security of the nation through creative and innovative agriculture.

The boot camp employs Military disciplinary drills, Mentorship sessions, coaching, educational tours, dialogues, role play, strategic competency-based capacity building, and leadership sessions, to contribute to the mindset change, whiles attracting campers to appreciate the entire value chain cycle, the roles, and career path, they can create and ultimately, assisting them to develop their business ideas and ensuring implementation of their business.

The Head of Marketing and Communications at ADB, Mr. Selorm Amevor reiterated ADB’s desire to contribute to the future building of the Agri-Youth, through the AG-STUD Bootcamp initiative. We are going to lead two major Training sessions during the boot camp; “Financial Modelling, Planning and Securing Financing and, “Developing or securing infrastructure, for a new farm enterprise. We are hoping that at the end of the day, we shall work closely with Agrihouse Foundation and the campers to support and enable them to establish and grow their business.

In their respective statements, CDF Canada and Holland Akokor both reiterated the need for corporate entities to support Agrihouse to lead the charge, in scaling up the boot camp initiative, which has over the last four (4) years, trained and equipped about six hundred students directly, across the country.

CDF Canada will be leading the campers through the 4R’s of Farming Practices, during the 5-day boot camp, whiles Holland Arkokor will be sharing the, “An entrepreneurs’ journey”, with the campers.

In a brief statement, Sonal Global, who will equally be leading the coaching session on Quality Food Production systems and standards, commended Agrihouse Foundation for creating a platform that continues to make an impact positively on the agri-youth.

OCP noted they are keenly looking forward to the main event while praising Agrihouse for being consistent with its efforts to increase young agripreneurs in the country.

Nanaam ventures noted that the food security of the nation depends greatly on its youthful population, and therefore urged the student’s and beginner agribusinesses who will be part of the Bootcamp to take advantage of the learning opportunity to build their capacity.

Schools and institutions participating in the 5-day boot camp include Ejura Agric College, Kwadaso, Damango, Animal Health, Fair River, Asuanzi, Wenchi, Animal Health, All Nations, UCC, Christian College, UDS, Legon, KNUST, Central, and the University of Energy and Ohaw Agric College respectively.

Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, said, the 5- day boot camp will be a scale-up of the last 3 events, employing more practical, action-oriented, creative, and innovative structures, that will drive and engineer speed for growth, amongst the campers.

This year’s Bootcamp is on the theme, “We have Enabled and Established the Agri-youth! Time to Scale-Up them-Up to Feed Ghana,” is a call on corporate institutions, development partners, Government, and stakeholders to join hands with Agrihouse Foundation, to support in scaling-up the Agri-businesses that has already been established, whiles supporting other promising youth to identify and build career paths within the value chain.

The Agricultural student’s career guidance and mentorship dialogue boot camp, (AG-STUD Africa), started in 2018, with nine institutions, and has steadily grown to be camping sixteen institutions (4 students from each school), “Our growing list of schools is a clear indication of the positive socio-economic impacts the program is having on participants and this year, we are committed to ensuring that our youth are equipped to feed the nation going forward,” Alberta noted

She said, this year’s Bootcamp will engage campers in activities such as Military Disciplinary Drills; Agri-Ted Mentorship Talks with industry leaders who will be present to share impactful stories of their life and professional experiences; An Ag-Voyage experience, which is an educational and tour to a number of agribusinesses and factories; Business Ideas Presentations; Brainstorming sessions with coaches; Competence-Based Training Sessions, with a focus on planning the economic sustainability of the new a new farm enterprise, Going digital; role-plays and other learning modules by the coaches and mentors who will be present with the campers.

Highlighting impacts of the Bootcamp, Alberta said, over the years, AG-STUD AFRICA, has introduced participating students and groups to several opportunities within the agricultural value chain; the platform continues to educate them with relevant knowledge and skills on how to harness such opportunities. As a result, over 600 students from 30 different schools who have participated in previous editions of AG-STUD have been taught to be self-reliant and supported with start-up capital to help them start their own agri-businesses.

Indirectly, the boot camp has benefitted over 1000 agri-business students and beginner agribusinesses enabling them to develop strong and bankable business plans. About 43 successful businesses are present, being run by students who have participated in AG-STUD.

According to Alberta, the primary objective of AG-STUD is to “Grow Futures,” by helping the students and beginner Agribusinesses, to appreciate the key roles they play in the growth and future of the entire agribusiness sector. In the 2nd year, the goal was to establish the Agri-youth, thus the theme, ‘Growing futures; establishing the Agri-youth. In the 3rd year, the Bootcamp sought to “ENABLE”, and therefore chose the theme, “Growing futures, Enabling the Agri-youth.”

“In this 4th year, our objective is to support start-up agribusinesses to survive and sustain, to help our young agripreneurs, to be more resilient to feed their household, community, and the nation,” she stressed.

She said, students are going to leave this year’s Bootcamp with practical knowledge in the production process; that will guarantee maximum efficacy; develop businesses, and be able to sustain them.

“We intend to assist our business clubs with opening bank accounts, seed capital to commence the Agribusiness idea/ initiative; a start-up input pack for farming and a business plan to direct their business idea. We will keep checking upon them as a way of monitoring, to help them establish themselves,” she added.

Ms. Akosa described AG-STUD Bootcamp as an innovative vehicle by which the passion and capacity of Ghanaian youth for agriculture can be ignited and developed and therefore used to the opportunity to call for corporate support towards the annual event.

AG-STUD AFRICA is in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA); National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana (NFFAWAG).

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LIFESTYLE: Discover the amazing medicinal benefits of cinnamon you do not know.

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Photo credit: BBC FOOD

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomum family.

People have used cinnamon since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where they regarded it highly. In medieval times, doctors used it to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis, and sore throats.
It is now the second most popular spice, after black pepper, in the United States and Europe.

As a spice, cinnamon is available in powder form or whole, as pieces of bark. People can also use cinnamon essential oil and supplements.
There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon. The two have different nutritional profiles.

Improving fungal infections
Cinnamon oil may help treat some types of fungal infections.

A 2016 laboratory study found that cinnamon oil was effective against a type of Candida that affects the bloodstream. This may be due to its antimicrobial properties.
If further research confirms these findings, cinnamon oil could play a role in treating this type of infection.

Influencing blood sugar levels
Animal studies have shown that cassia cinnamon may reduce blood sugar levels.

The review also noted that after 60 people with type 2 diabetes consumed up to 6 grams (g) of cinnamon per day for between 40 days and 4 months, they had lower serum glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a 2012 review concluded that cinnamon does not help lower levels of glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin A1c which are long-term measures of blood glucose control in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Another small study looked at the impact of cinnamon, calcium, and zinc on blood pressure management in people with type 2 diabetes. The results did not show that this treatment had any impact.

It prevents Alzheimer’s disease
Some animal studies have suggested that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

According to researchers, an extract present in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that may prevent symptoms from developing.

Mice who received the extract experienced a decrease in features of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques, and improvements in their ability to think and reason.

If further research confirms its effectiveness, this extract — but not necessarily whole cinnamon — may be useful in developing therapies for Alzheimer’s.

It protects against HIV
In 2000, a study of extracts of Indian medicinal plants found that cinnamon may help protect against HIV.

Scientists tested 69 extracts in a laboratory. Cinnamomum cassia, or cinnamon bark, and Cardiospermum helicacabum, which is the cinnamon shoot and fruit, were most effective in reducing HIV activity.

In a 2016 laboratory study, scientists found that an extract from cinnamon showed anti-HIV activity.

This does not mean that foods containing cinnamon can treat or prevent HIV, but cinnamon extracts could one day become a part of HIV therapy.

It prevents multiple sclerosis
Experts have tested cinnamon for activity against multiple sclerosis (MS).
Studies have suggested that cinnamon may protect regulatory T cells, or “Tregs,” which regulate immune responses.

People with MS appear to have lower levels of Tregs than people without the condition. In mouse studies, cinnamon treatment has prevented the loss of certain proteins specific to Tregs.

Scientists have also found that cinnamon treatment restored myelin levels in mice with MS. MS occurs when the myelin coating on nerve cells becomes damaged.
The NCCIHT is supporting more research into how cinnamon may help treat MS.

It lowers the effects of high-fat meals
In 2011, researchers concluded that diets rich in “antioxidant spices,” including cinnamon, may help reduce the body’s negative response to eating high-fat meals.

Six people consumed dishes containing 14 g of a spice blend. Blood tests showed that antioxidant activity increased by 13%, insulin response fell by 21%, and triglycerides fell by 31%.

It treats and heals chronic wounds
Research from 2015 says that scientists have found a way to package antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon into tiny capsules that can both kill bacterial biofilms and actively promote healing.
In this way, peppermint and cinnamon could become part of a medicine for treating infected wounds.

It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system. Cinnemaldehyde, for example, lowered blood pressure in an animal study.

In a 2014 study, rats that received long-term treatment involving cinnamon and aerobic training had better heart function than those that did not.

It prevents cancer
The authors of one article note that cinnamaldehydes may have antitumor and anticancer properties.

In the study, scientists treated mice with cancer using an extract of cinnamon and cardamom. Tests found lower levels of oxidative stress in the melanoma cells of the mice that received the treatment.

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Poultry Farmers to meet President over replacing eggs with Chinese mackerel for school student.

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Poultry farmers are raged over the decision by the government to replace eggs with Chinese mackerel for the students in Ghana.

Speaking to Angel FM this morning, Mr. Boris B, a poultry farmer described the report of the government’s decision as shocking depicting a character of unconcern and cruelty by the government to the farmers.

Reports indicate that Akufo-Addo’s led government has awarded a contract to a Chinese company to import mackerel for the school children under the school feeding programme to replace the consumption of eggs by the students.

He added that the government’s decision to replace eggs with Chinese mackerel is a means to collapse their poultry business. “We have gone for loans to produce both eggs and broilers for the country. We are already in a state of losing our business due to the high cost of poultry feed, why should the government increase our woes with such a decision”? He quizzed.

The poultry sector has witnessed the lay-off of workers for the past months now due to the effect of the pandemic, high cost of feed, and low patronage of poultry products.

The poultry farmers are to meet Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana to address their grievances. The President has accepted to meet the poultry farmers on this issue on Friday.

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A sustainable seed value chain must engage and involve all stakeholders – Seed Co.

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The West and Central Africa Regional Manager of Seed Co, Dr. Takemore Chagomoka had opined that seed is an important catalyst for the development of agriculture that needs all the stakeholders’ engagement for its sustainability.

Agriculture is the backbone of most economies in sub-Saharan Africa but the yields of various crops, especially maize are low in West and Central Africa as compared to East & Southern Africa. This is due to the kind of seeds that the farmers cultivate in these regions.

According to Dr. Chagomoka, the adoption rate of improved varieties of seed is higher in Eastern and Southern Africa as compared to West and Central Africa, because the seed industries in Eastern and Southern Africa are more developed as compared to West and Central Africa.

“The seed sustainability business value chain must consist of all actors including seed companies, the government, input dealers; fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, farmers and farmer organizations or cooperatives, off-takers of grain; breweries, poultry farmers, all consumers of grain NGOs”, he said.

He espoused the need for the stakeholders to engage in educating the farmers and farmer-based organizations on the difference between improved seeds and GMOs that have created great controversy in the sector.

“The use of improved varieties seeds is misunderstood by most of the farmers and this has created a glitch in the agricultural development in Ghana”, he mentioned.

Most of the farmers have the belief that improved seeds are GMO but the assertion is that improved seeds are not GMOs. “Improved seed is not a genetically modified seed. The two are not interchangeable, they are actually very, very different”, Dr. Chagomoka reiterated.

He elaborated that improved seeds are developed through cross-pollinating two seeds of the same species to improve yield. It is a completely natural process assisted by humans.

Genetic modification (GMO) is deliberately altering an organism’s genome he said. A gene out of its genome can be completely removed or a gene from a completely different species or kingdom could be added to it. GMO is a deliberate modification of the plant by direct manipulation.

He admonished the use of scientific advances in the seed industry to improve efficiencies, farmers’ yield, and business profitability.

“I would urge the farmers to observe Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) as a very important tool to unlocking potential yields through breeding. Seed industry continues to pose huge opportunities to youth and agriculture graduates”, he added.

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LIFESTYLE: Drink soaked groundnut water to cure these ailments.

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Photo credit: Plantfoods

Groundnut water is obtained by steaming/ boiling or soaking groundnut in water for 15 – 30 minutes. Groundnut is also known as Peanut which is rich in monounsaturated fats, the type of fat that is emphasized in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.

Groundnut water has great health benefits which are derived from nutrient-dense groundnut. The health benefits of groundnut water include:

May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Groundnut water may HELP stabilize your blood sugar levels. Groundnut has a GI (glycemic index) score of 14. While the GI of groundnut is 14 (on a 100-point scale), their GL (glycemic load, which tells what a particular food will do to your sugar levels) is just 1. That is why the American Diabetes Association names groundnut as a diabetes superfood. The fiber in groundnut also helps lower blood sugar levels. They also contain magnesium and other healthy oils that play a role in this aspect.

It promotes heart health
Groundnut water may help protect against coronary heart disease (CHD). A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that groundnut may lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Bad cholesterol leads to plaque development in the blood vessels, and groundnut may prevent this. A study conducted on rats also stated that polyphenol-rich peanut skin extract may reduce the inflammation that causes heart disease.

It prevents gallstones
Consumption of groundnut water is linked to a lower risk of gallstones. A study conducted by the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston) found that consumption of groundnut may lower the risk of gallstones. Men consuming five or more units of nuts (including groundnut) a week are at a lower risk of gallstone disease. Women consuming five or more units of nuts a week are at a reduced risk of cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). However, long-term studies are required to understand this benefit of groundnut.

It aids your weight loss efforts
Groundnut water is very high in calories, but they contribute to weight loss instead of weight gain. Groundnut is an energy-dense food. That is why having them as a snack, drink or shake may make you consume fewer calories later in the day. Groundnut elicited stronger feelings of fullness when consumed as a snack than with a meal. This may eventually help with weight loss. Some studies suggested that higher nut consumption was not associated with greater body weight gain and may aid weight control. Including groundnut in your diet is one way to enhance nutrient intake without causing weight gain. Research also shows that the consumption of groundnut and peanut butter can increase feelings of fullness. These could satisfy individuals better than carbohydrate-filled snacks in equal quantities

It reduces cancer risk
High intake of groundnut (including other nuts) has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The is flavones, resveratrol, and phenolic acid found in groundnut have anticancer properties which may help reduce the risk of cancer. A study conducted in The Netherlands found that peanut intake is also associated with a reduced risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Groundnut was also found to prevent gastric and esophageal cancers among older American adults. When comparisons were made, individuals who did not consume any nuts or peanut butter were at the highest risk of developing these cancers.

It treats erectile dysfunction
Groundnut water is rich in arginine, which is an essential amino acid. Arginine has been studied extensively as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction. More research is required to understand if arginine alone can help with the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

It relieves symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Although, there is little research in this regard. Anecdotal evidence suggests that groundnut may help treat PCOS as they contain monounsaturated fats. Some research states that a diet high in these fats could help improve the metabolic profile of women with PCOS.

It has antioxidative properties
Groundnut is rich in numerous plant compounds and antioxidants. Most of these compounds are available in the skin of groundnut, which should be eaten raw to get all of its benefits. Some of the plant compounds that are readily available in groundnut include resveratrol, coumaric acid, and phytosterols that help impair the absorption of cholesterol, isoflavones, and phytic acid found in plant seeds.

It helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease
Foods that are rich in niacin – like groundnut water – may protect against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Groundnut is an excellent source of niacin and vitamin E, both of which have been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted on 4000 people aged 65 years and older found that niacin from food slows down the rate of cognitive decline.

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Students admonished to take advantage of the business opportunities present in the seed sector.

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Agriculture is a major employability contributing to about 33 percent of the total working force in Ghana. In tackling food security and unemployment intricacies, seeds are the critical element to deal with in the agricultural sector.

As a means of solving this issue, the department of horticulture at the Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST has organized a maiden edition of SEED SECTOR FORUM with the theme; Taking Advantage of Advances, Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities in the Modern Seed Sector at the NBC-ground floor, KNUST.

West Africa’s contribution in the seed sector to African agriculture especially Ghana is marginal, but there is still room for improvement. The improvement would come from the youth, therefore it is a challenge to those in the seed science and agribusiness in general, to take advantage of the opportunities available in the seed sector. The Chairman for the forum, Prof. Enoch A. Osekre the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST made this statement during the forum.

“You do not need to be a breeder to be in the seed industry, in the demonstration, there are some companies who are just providing services like packaging, marketing, so we need to take this challenge but it should not be a case whereby when we graduate we complain there are no jobs”, Prof. Osekre admonished the students.

According to Prof. Osekre, Africa has the opportunity to show the world that it can produce everything and it begins with the youth. He believes the youth have been equipped with all the skills and the knowledge needed to transform the sector.

In addition, the Regional Agriculture Director in the Ashanti Region, Rev. John Manu said the government is much concerned about the youth thus the programme, Youth In Agriculture.

The government has put some mechanisms in place for the youth who want to venture into agriculture. Under the Planting for Food and Jobs programme he said, there is a scheme called the Out-grower Scheme that gives preferential treatment to the cluster of youth in terms of inputs subsidies for production.

The Ghana Youth Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture is instituting a programme to support the youth in the agriculture sector.

Furthermore, the passing of the Plant Breeders Bills has given Ghanaian scientists or the breeders the protection of their intellectual work in breeding more variety of seeds to the agriculture sector. “As far as the Plant Breeders Bill is passed all the focus should be channeled to support our scientists so that we can make good use of the resources that we have”, Rev. John Manu reiterated.

The seed industry in Eastern and Southern Africa is more developed compared to West Africa and crop yields especially maize are relatively low in West and Central Africa, the West African Director of Seed Co, Dr. Takemore Chagomoka complained.

As agriculture is the backbone of most economies in sub-Saharan Africa he said, the seed is an important catalyst for the development of agriculture.

In Seed Co’s contribution to the development of students in agriculture, Seed Co in partnership with Agrihouse Foundation is rolling out a programme called AG-STUD Africa Bootcamp which aims at training agriculture graduates in Ghana by building the students’ capacity on good agricultural practices.

“Seed Co is poised in working with both the government and the stakeholders in the agriculture value chain to develop the youth interest in the agriculture sector”, Dr. Chagomoka said.

“Students and the youth are the future of agriculture so the forum was organized to target the students to develop their interest and making them realized that there are business opportunities and job creation opportunities they can take advantage of in the seed sector and agriculture sector in general”, Dr. Eli Gaveh, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Horticulture, KNUST said.

In his presentation, Dr. Gaveh said there are many opportunities in the seed sector for the students. Giving instances to some of the opportunities in the seed sector Dr. said companies like De Bolster, Incotec, and Enza Zaden breed seeds, integrate seeds, and coat seeds.

De Bolster is a Dutch company that specializes in breeding organic seeds and it aims at moving organic agriculture forward by offering the best organic varieties whilst Incotec, seed enhancing company creates and delivers sustainable added value to seeds to support the increasing need for healthy food and to make the contribution to the welfare of the world, and lastly, Enza Zaden is an international seed breeding company that develops innovative vegetable variety seeds for professional grower and focus on continuity in the long term and healthy growth.

He underscored the need for the government and the policymakers to see the seed sector as a key driver of agriculture and focus on developing the germplasm by developing the Greta Seed, foundation seeds, and the certified seeds.

“We have to graft strong policy implementation, we have a lot of policies but the implementation of the policies is limited. Although the government is doing a lot with the Planting for Food and Jobs policies, there are a lot of opportunities the government can explore to make agriculture more relevant, and significant to economic growth and development and to make the country self-sufficient in food production”, Dr. Gaveh highlighted.

Speaking to some of the students at the forum, Leonora, a level 300 student told Agric Today that the forum has given her more insight into the horticulture sector.

“I have noticed there is more to agriculture than farming. Today’s forum has been insightful knowing I could be a seed breeder, seed coating technologist and among others”, she gladly said.

She thanked the organizers for the programme and requested similar programmes to be organized for the final year students to equip and inform their decisions in the agricultural space.

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LIFESTYLE: Amazing medicinal benefits of Cassia Alata to the human system.

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Senna Alata | Cassia Alata is a very important medicinal plant with amazing medicinal uses and health benefits. Traditionally, it has been used for treating insect bites, ringworm, wounds, as a laxative, hypertension, skin diseases, decoction of the leaves are used for cough and to get rid of intestinal worms.

The benefits of the Cassia Alata are:
It has anti-fungal properties and anti-microbial.
Both ethanol extract and water extract got by boiling the cassia alata leaves in water has amazing anti-fungal properties and anti-microbial properties making them very effective for treating skin diseases. It is very effective against ringworm as it has anti dermatophyte properties which are the main causes of ringworm. It is also particularly effective against Cadidia Albicans, Microsporum Canis, and Trichyophyton Mentagraphytes. You can read the study that proves it here.

It has anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties
Cassia alata has wonderful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Applying a poultice of the leaves on the affected area helps bring down the inflammation effectively. In fact, cassia alata showed the most anti-inflammatory properties against four other herb extracts it was tested along with, you can read the study here.

It has antipyretic properties
Cassia Alata has wonderful fever-reducing properties and the water extract can be used for reducing high body temperature. The water extract can also be used for treating malaria fever as it has anti-malarial properties too.

It has anthelmintic properties
Generally, all cassia plants have the ability to expel worms and especially cassia alata is very powerful. The water extract of cassia alata leaf can be taken for expelling worms and has been traditionally used for it for many years.

It provides anti-diabetic properties
Cassia alata has blood sugar lowering properties and this action is believed to be because it inhibits carbohydrate digestion. Slowing carbohydrate digestion leads to the slow release of sugar thus it greatly helps diabetic patients.

It contains anti-tumor properties
An isolate extracted from cassia alata has wonderful anti-tumor properties and has been proven to be very effective against colon canceroma, bladder carcinoma, and colorectal carcinoma. The extract isolated from cassia alata is named f61 and amazingly it does not cause any harm to non-cancerous cells. You can read about it here.

It contains ovicidal and larvicidal properties
Cassia alata has both ovicidal and larvidal properties and is used for getting rid of nematodes of sheep and goats. The water extract can be used safely for getting rid of parasites.

Cassia Alata serves as a laxative
Cassia leaf extract got by boiling the leaves in water has been traditionally used for treating constipation. This traditional use has been backed by research

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Fish mortality will affect our business – Fish sellers

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Fish sellers in Accra Central Business District are mournful that, news of “fish mortality” will ‘destroy’ their market.

This followed the discovery of large numbers of different species of fish washed ashore along the coasts of Osu in Accra, Axim-Bewire in the Nzema Municipality of the Western Region, and Keta in the Volta Region, over the weekend.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Food and Drug Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other sector agencies are investigating the cause of the “fish mortality” and cautioned against its consumption, sale, and presence in the Ghanaian food chain.

In an interaction with some traders in Accra, Ms. Lydia Botwe, a fish seller, said the incident could have a repercussion on their business because people would hesitate to purchase smoked sliced fishes if they are not sure of the sources.

A 45-year-old fishmonger said until the investigations are over, their business would slow further down after COVID-19 had thrown it almost out of gear.

Mrs. Abigail Shia, another fish seller, said anytime such reports come out, the fish industry suffered heavily, though they would not sell fishes they are not sure of.

“I am scared because I do not know whether fishes were poisoned or not and I wouldn’t want to put the lives of my customers at risk. Since I was born, I have never seen anything like this before, this is very strange.

“Fishes, especially the big ones are been eschewed in the market for some days now. So even if we get some soon, people will be scared to buy them because they might suspect that they could be from the washed ashore source,” she lamented.

Meanwhile, some consumers said they are staying away from large fishes that are sliced and smoked on the market for a period.

Mr. Kofi Ansah, a dealer in mobile phone accessories, said his religion does not allow him to consume dead fish, however, he believes there is nothing wrong with the fishes and that they might have been killed with the torches thrown at them by fishermen.

Mrs. Margaret Afia, a middle-aged woman, said she would only use dried fish when it comes to her notice that such fishes are off the market.

“We all know that every fish we consume is harvested by our fishermen, so how can we consume fishes that no one knows what killed them,” she said.

For Mrs. Faustina Amoabeng, she sees nothing wrong with consuming fishes washed ashore.

“When you go to buy fish, you don’t wait to see the fish alive and in motion before you buy it. Sometimes we purchase fishes that have been in the fridge for months without knowing how they died. Are they all not dead fishes?

“Maybe it is God who has seen the hardships we are going through as a country and has decided to bless us with the fishes for food,” she said.

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