The agriculture sector is a successful economic venture that has produced many successful icons in the country. Yet little is showcased on those icons as it is seen in the other sectors like the political, banking, mining, etc. to arouse the youth’s interest in the sector.
Coupling with the other vital policy implementations to attract the youth into the agriculture sector, Mr. James Boateng, 2018 National Best Farmer believes that publicizing successful people in the sector is a tool to attract the youth in the sector.
He said there are successful icons in the state who had their fortunes from the agriculture sector that should be publicized. According to him, the impression that agriculture is for the poor and backward people could be erased when successful icons like himself and others are showcased and advocate to compel the youth into the sector.
Speaking to Agric Today, Mr. Boateng emphasized that agriculture has not been advertised properly because most of the youth who risk their lives in the desert traveling to Libya to seek greener pastures do pay a higher amount of money than they could have used that money to venture into the agriculture sector.
“People are still drifting to Libya despite the instability, you cannot go to Libya if you don’t have money. Why are we not encouraging the youth to use such money to divert it into agriculture? In Brong Ahafo where lands are available and rich, they still try going to Libya despite dying in the desert because we are not sending the message down to them”, Mr. Boateng said.
“Part of this problem is from the policymakers and the government, part of it is because we don’t have enough advocates. There are other farmers who are even more successful than me but how are we using them?” he questioned.
He commended the media for doing their maximum best to promote the agriculture sector. He urged the youth to demonstrate the interest in farming and the assistance would commence.
It is surprising that orange peels have about four times more health benefits than the actual orange fruit that we eat. Orange peels contain flavonoids – like poly methoxy flavones (PMFs) and hesperidin – and other phytochemicals that are highly beneficial for your health.
Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds that help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. It also contains higher amounts of certain nutrients. For example, 3.5 ounces of orange peel provides 136 mg of Vitamin C.
In addition, orange peel contains considerable amounts of copper, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and dietary fiber.
Some of the other benefits of orange peels are: It supports a healthy heart Orange peels contain hesperidin, a flavonoid that helps maintain blood pressure and cholesterol. The polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) found in orange peels also help lower cholesterol more effectively than drugs.
It prevents allergies Histamines are the chemicals that are responsible for allergic reactions. Orange peels contain compounds that can help prevent histamine release.
It prevents cancer Orange peels help slow down the growth of cancer cells. In fact, orange peels can reduce the number of squamous cell carcinoma, a fatal type of skin cancer. People who consume orange peels on a regular basis have fewer chances of being diagnosed with lung cancer and skin cancer than those who only eat the orange inside.
It helps to reduce weight Orange peels help increase your metabolism and burn fat from your body. Many medical experts recommend orange peels as a cure for weight loss.
It aids in better digestion Orange peels have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat many digestion and gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, heartburn, and acidity.
It cures hangover Orange peel is one of the best things that can help cure a hangover. Just boil the peel for about 15-20 minutes and drink it like tea to get rid of a hangover.
It treats bad breath Orange peels can help fight cavities and keep your breath fresh.
It helps to fights infection, cold, and flu Orange peels are rich in vitamin C and A. This makes orange peels a natural antioxidant that helps boost your immune system and fight off germs and viruses.
It helps to treat skin problems Orange peels help cure multiple skin problems such as blackheads, dead cells, acne, pores, dark circles, and dry skin. It also helps brighten your skin.
It cures Asthma Orange peels also help remove phlegm and hence cures asthma.
How to include orange peels in a diet. Orange peel can be consumed directly by washing and cutting it into small, thin strips. To avoid the bitter taste, you can add some seasoning from the top or club it with your favourite salad or sandwich. You can also add some of the thin orange peel strips to your smoothies and shakes.
The best and most common way to add orange peel to your diet is by consuming it in the cooked form. Orange zest or marmalade is a tasty way to get all the nutritional benefits of orange peel.
Egg dealers are unhappy with price increase by food vendors, hawkers, and retailers in the Sunyani Municipality.
In a market survey interview at the Sunyani Central Business District (CBD), the dealers said that the price of eggs has been stable for some time, and that food vendors and hawkers had no justification to increase the price.
“The price of a crate of eggs has reduced drastically from between GH¢ 16 and GH¢ 24 in Christmas last year to GH¢ 11 and GH¢ 17, depending on the sizes”, Ms. Agartha Benewaa, a wholesaler said.
“The reduction in prices is as a result of low patronage of eggs for some months now. Egg producers have not increased the prices”, she said, adding “it’s unacceptable for food vendors and hawkers to sell an egg at GH¢ 1”. Ms. Hannah Adjei, a popular egg dealer at the CBD noted that because of the high price, many people preferred to buy eggs from poultry farms, and that was affecting their businesses.
She reminded consumers that the market price of eggs remained unchanged and advised them to always buy them from the dealers or the markets.
A new hybrid maize seed with the capacity to increase the country’s present yield per hectare by five folds has been introduced into the system under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme.
Produced in South Africa, the Lake 601 Hybrid Maize Seed has been tried, tested and released by the Varietal Release Committee of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and added to the national seeds catalogue for use in the 2021 planting season.
Ghana’s maize production now stands at a little over three million tonnes per annum, with 1.7 metric tonnes per hectare as the average yield, but this could rise to more than 15 million metric tonnes with the new seed.
Newage Agric Solutions Limited, a Ghanaian agricultural company, took delivery of the maize seed and has commenced distribution to farmers.
The Deputy Director of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the MoFA, Mr Eric Quaye, told the Daily Graphic that Newage Agric Solutions had been given the import permit to bring the Lake 601 Hybrid Maize Seed into the country.
Filling the gap The General Manager of Newage Agric Solutions, Mr Martin Tettey Nartey, told the paper that the new variety, which “has come at a time when the demand for maize continues to outstrip supply, thereby impacting prices”, was aimed at promoting food security in the country.
He said the new seed variety was expected to help farmers guarantee a good yield, as well as provide jobs for the mass of the people who would venture into maize farming.
He said the Lake 601 Hybrid Maize Seed could produce far higher yields than the normal open-pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) used in the country. That, he said, would help farmers increase their crop productivity and revenues.
Mr Nartey explained that the seed was a resplendent hybrid that was able to perform well in the environment from hot, humid lowlands to dry mid-altitudes and high potential wet highlands.
Again, he said, the variety performed well in all soil types across the country and even performed better in acidic soil with exceptional nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
“It is also tolerant to Striga, the most dangerous weed to maize. It is the best option for commercial and small farming because the high yield potential is guaranteed when planted,” Mr Nartey said.
He added that although both the new variety and the old OPVs attracted the same labour and cost in cultivation, the hybrids gave far higher yields.
Timely provision The Chief Executive Officer of Newage Agric Solutions, Mr William Akonnor Kotey, said: “It is important that, as suppliers, we endeavour to make conscious efforts to make such quality products available in a timely manner. We are here today, against this background, to satisfy our farmers who need these improved seeds sooner than we think.”
Currently, sports betting has taken the attention of the youth with the intention of getting potential returns but rather draining the little money that the youth have.
The rate at which betting companies are emerging in Ghana is alarming and the youth involvement is massively increasing which is disrupting the economic development of the country.
Of this course, the international movie award winner, and great farmer John Dumelo has advocated agriculture as one of the best bets for the youth to developing the economy of Ghana.
Betting is gambling that the youth have massively engaged with the intention of been successful overnight but instead draining the little money that they have in their possession.
Complaining of unemployment in the country by the youth, agriculture is the best and most viable business venture that the youth could venture but due to the lack of support and the intent of the youth to get rich overnight the sector is seen as backward activity making it unattractive for the youth to patronize betting.
John Dumelo urged for inclusiveness to get the youth involved in the agriculture sector as the best and purposeful business venture.
Papaya leaves are known for their medicinal uses and hold special significance in Ayurveda. Ayurveda and yoga rely heavily on these plant leaves to treat major conditions from malaria to cancer and everything in between. Keep growing papaya trees and keep nurturing them so that you can utilize them and treat your condition naturally.
Papaya is considered one of the healthiest fruits, it helps in curing many diseases. Not only the pulp but its leaves contain many healing properties against various diseases. These include:
Good for people with diabetes: Papaya leaf juice regulates the production of insulin which in turn checks blood sugar levels. Its strong antioxidants help to bring down the consequent complications of diabetes like kidney damage and fatty liver. This juice can work wonders for diabetics.
It prevents cancer Papaya leaves contain phenolic compounds, papain, and alkaloids and these nutrients act as strong antioxidants which in turn, enhance the body’s immunity. The immune-modulating properties of the papaya leaves may help prevent cancer.
It prevents menstrual cramps Papaya leaf juice helps reduce menstrual cramps and regulates the menstrual cycle by balancing hormonal changes.
It helps in treating the digestive disorder The combination of papain and other compounds present in papaya leaves help in the effective digestion of essential proteins which cure digestive disorders. It also helps in treating gastric ulcers and oxidative stress on the stomach.
It helps to prevent heartburn Papaya leaf juice helps get rid of heartburn discomfort and is a great appetite stimulant.
It is used to treat skin problems Papaya leaf juice obtained by crushing tender papaya leaves is topically applied to treat skin allergies. It helps cure skin aging and provides radiant skin.
It is used to treat hair problem Hair problems, such as dandruff, hair fall, and scalp allergies can be treated by applying concentrated papaya leaf extract topically. Premature greying and hair thinning can also be treated by applying papaya leaves juice on the scalp. This juice also gives a beautiful sheen to your hair and acts as a potent conditioner.
It serves as liver and kidney inflammation Papaya leaf juice is a great detox drink that has high levels of phytochemicals and flavonoids that work together to cleanse your blood, improve blood circulation and protect your liver and kidneys from inflammation.
It is used to treat malaria Papaya leaves have strong antimalarial properties, making them best to cure malaria.
It is useful for treating dengue fever The extract from papaya leaves acts as an effective remedy to treat dengue fever. Papaya leaf juice reduces the symptoms of dengue including high fever and skin rash. It also helps increase the platelet count.
The taste of papaya leaves is bitter but its health benefits are magnificent. They are loaded with calcium and vitamin A, B, C, D, and E. The antioxidants present in the leaves fight free radicals that enter the body. So consider the health benefits over its taste.
Papaya leaf juice is made by grinding, thoroughly washed tender papaya leaves to a fine paste adding little water. Filter this juice with the help of a strainer. The juice is thick and bitter, so it is diluted with water to make it milder to drink.
Naturally available and full of health, beneficial components in papaya leaf juice are worth trying!
Cloves are a popular spice used in a variety of ways across the world, particularly in Asia. They form a culinary base in a number of different Asian cuisines.
Clove is the dried bud of the flower from the tree Syzygium aromaticum. It belongs to the plant family named Myrtaceae. It is an evergreen plant growing in tropical and subtropical conditions. Clove is an herb of which people use various parts of the plant, including the dried buds, stems, and leaves to make medicine. Clove oil is famous for its ancient medicinal properties.
Health Benefits of Cloves. Packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds, it is no wonder that even a small amount of cloves have some interesting health benefits to offer. Let’s take a look at their health benefits.
It boosts Gastrointestinal Health. Cloves are known to have been used in several traditional medicinal cultures as a way to help with stomach issues. According to the book ‘Herbs that Heal: Natural Remedies for Good Health’, cloves have been used to boost digestion and control gastrointestinal irritation. Furthermore, fried cloves could also be used to stop vomiting, owing to their anesthetic properties. It is also effective against ulcers and can be used as a purgative agent.
It has antibacterial properties. Cloves are touted by many for their antibacterial properties against several human pathogens. The extracts of cloves were potent enough to kill those pathogens.
It protects the liver Cloves contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are ideal for protecting the organs from the effects of free radicals, especially the liver. Metabolism, in the long run, increases free radical production and lipid profile, while decreasing the antioxidants in the liver. Clove extracts are a helpful component in counteracting these effects with their hepatoprotective properties.
It serves Diabetes Management. Extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that cloves may have a beneficial effect on diabetes as part of a plant-based diet.
It preserves the bone. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of this spice include phenolic compounds, such as eugenol, and its derivatives, such as flavones, isoflavones, and flavonoids. Studies have suggested that these extracts may be helpful in preserving bone density and the mineral content of bone, as well as increasing the tensile strength of bones in case of osteoporosis. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these findings.
It serves as an immunity booster Ayurveda describes certain plants to be effective in developing and protecting the immune system. One such plant is the clove. The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count, thereby, improving delayed-type hypersensitivity.
It has anti-inflammatory properties The spice possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. Studies on clove extracts administered to lab rats suggest that the presence of eugenol reduced the inflammation caused by edema. It was also confirmed that eugenol can reduce pain by stimulating pain receptors.
Health benefits of cloves infographic
Clove is an herb of which people use various parts of the plant, including the dried buds, stems, and leaves to make medicine.
It gives oral health Cloves can be taken for a reduction in gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Clove bud extracts significantly control the growth of oral pathogens, which are responsible for various oral diseases, as per a study published in the Journal of Natural Products. They can also be used for toothaches due to their pain-killing properties.
It has aphrodisiac properties Since ancient times, spices such as clove and nutmeg have been said to possess aphrodisiac properties, according to Unani medicine. Experiments on clove and nutmeg extracts were tested against standard drugs administered for that reason, and both clove and nutmeg showed positive results.
It is good for headache treatment Headaches may be reduced by using cloves. Make a paste of a few spice buds and mix it with a dash of rock salt. Add this to a glass of milk. This mixture reduces headaches quickly and effectively.
Human body parts are the most essential for living which is not sold in the open market. To live long and healthy, the body parts need to be taken care of properly from all diseases and other ailments.
There are certain safety protocols that could be observed to live healthy for long life. These are the body parts and how they could be taken care of properly.
STOMACH The stomach is injured when you do not have breakfast in the morning. Aside from fasting, it is important to take breakfast every morning to prevent the stomach been harmed.
KIDNEYS The kidneys are one of the most important organs in the body that acts as very efficient filters for ridding the body of waste and toxic substances, and returning vitamins, amino acids, glucose, hormones, and other vital substances into the bloodstream. The kidneys are injured when you do not even drink 10 glasses of water in 24 hours, therefore, water should be taken regularly to keep the kidneys healthy at all times.
LIVER The liver is one of the most powerful organs in the body. The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile which helps to carry away waste products from the liver. The liver needs to be protected well for functioning by avoiding eating heavy fried food, junk, and fast food.
HEART The heart is another important body organ that is the center of the circulatory system, which is a network of blood vessels that delivers blood to every part of the body. The heart is injured when meals with more salt and cholesterol are consumed in the body.
LUNGS The lungs are also important organs in the body. They are the center of the respiratory system and the lungs provide oxygen to the body for living and get rid of the carbon dioxide waste product that is made by the cells during their normal everyday function. The lungs are injured when one breathes in the smoke and stays in a polluted environment of cigarettes.
SMALL INTESTINE The small intestine is an organ that carries out most of the digestive process, absorbing almost all the nutrients needed from foods that are consumed into the bloodstream. To give a healthy living to the organ, one must avoid eating cold and stale foods.
LARGE INTESTINES The large intestines are to absorbed water and salts from the materials that have not been digested as food, get rid of any waste products left over. The large intestines are injured when more fried and spicy food is consumed into the body.
Let us all take good care of our body organs for healthy living.
Agriculture is perceived to be a dirty job reserved for the aged. Youth of today, after graduating from the tertiary institutions yearns to work in the office, putting on suit with tie leaving the agriculture sector for the aged due to lack of support.
To change the narrative and save the country from the imminent hunger strike and food security and to achieve SDG2, Hon. Zenator Rawlings, the MP for Osu Klorttey, and the Patron for the ongoing AG-STUD 2021 Bootcamp has underscored the need for the financial institutions to tailored a package for the youth who venture into agriculture.
Passionately speaking, Hon. Zenator said a lot of people have the mindset of agriculture being a subsistence concept that does not yield any profit, but agriculture is a very profitable sector and agribusiness is the future of Ghana, therefore, there is a need to give the youth orientation, encouragement, and support them.
She commended Agrihouse Foundation for organizing such a Bootcamp for the youth. “This is one workshop that I think is going to be a lot of use to the youth because we have the Bootcamp here, not just about having mentors to speak to but also the practical experience and the support and we need more support for these young people who are daring to take that risk in the agric sector”.
“We should make sure that the financial institutions tailor a package specifically for the youth who are venturing into the agriculture sector”, Hon. added.
She urged the private partners to support the improvement of the youth as Agrihouse Foundation is doing and called on the stakeholders to support Agrichouse to impact more knowledge and skills in the youth to change the narrative.
Speaking to Agric Today, Alberta Nana Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrichouse Foundation said as a result of the great impact that the AG-STUD has had on those who participated in previous years, seventeen schools participated this year.
“The Bootcamp has really built the capacities of the students. From the various testimonies, more business opportunities have been created, and it is amazing to say that this year, seventeen schools came on board as compared to last year’s seven schools”, she gladly said.
Madam Alberta urged the government, private organizations, and stakeholders to support the course to develop the youth to take an active role in the agribusiness to solve food security and unemployment rate in the country.
“I am calling on everyone who wants to assist this course to come on board because this is the project that transforms, equips, and builds the capacities of the youth and arouses their interest in agribusiness as they are availed to their mentors.
Obed Asamoah, a beneficiary of AG-STUD 2018 and a mentor to AG-STUD 2021 appraised Agrihouse Foundation for igniting the interest he had in agriculture when he was in school.
According to him, the knowledge, and the skills gained from the Bootcamp have broadened his horizon and have opened greater opportunities for him. As a beneficiary, he has gained a scholarship to study Pathology at Utsunomiya University, Japan.
He thanked Agrihouse Foundation, sponsors, and the supporting partners for making it possible for the youth actualizing their potentials in the agriculture sector. He called for more support especially the stakeholders and the financial institutions to support the youth who have the passion to produce to feed the country.
Broccoli is known to be a hearty and tasty vegetable that is rich in dozens of nutrients. It is said to pack the most nutritional punch of any vegetable. Thinking about green vegetables to include in our diet, broccoli is one of the foremost veggies to consider. Coming from the cabbage family, broccoli can be categorized as an edible green plant.
Here are some of the medicinal benefits of broccoli: It prevents cancer Broccoli shares cancer-fighting and immune-boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Broccoli contains properties that deplete estrogens which usually cause cancer in the body. Research shows that broccoli is extremely suitable for preventing breast and uterus cancer.
It reduces cholesterol level Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body. This is because the fiber in broccoli helps bind with bile acids in the digestive tract. This makes excreting cholesterol out of our body easy. According to research by the Institute of Food Research, a particular variety of broccoli can help reduce the blood LDL-cholesterol levels by 6 percent.
It reduces allergic reaction and inflammation Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our bodies. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as an anti-inflammatory. Along with this, broccoli can also help people suffering from arthritis as broccoli contains sulforaphane, a chemical that blocks the enzymes that can cause joint destruction and hence lead to inflammation.
It is a powerful antioxidant Broccoli contains antioxidants that can help the body in a variety of ways. Broccoli is deeply concentrated with vitamin C, making it great for immunity. Other than this, broccoli also contains flavonoids which help recycle the vitamin C efficiently. It is also enriched with carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and other power-packed antioxidants.
For strong bone Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Along with calcium, broccoli is also full of other nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and phosphorous. Because of these properties, broccoli is extremely suitable for children, the elderly and lactating mothers.
It protects the Heart The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems. Broccoli is great for heart health as it contains fibers, fatty acids, and vitamins that help to regulate blood pressure in the body. This also helps in reducing bad cholesterol, hence leading to a healthy heart. Broccoli helps to protect blood vessels from damage as well.
It aids in diet Broccoli is a good carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Along with this, broccoli is also great for weight loss because it is rich in fiber. It is an ideal green vegetable to include in your salads and completing your five coloured vegetables every day. In addition to this, broccoli also contains proteins, making it suitable for vegetarians that are otherwise not able to complete their protein requirement.
It is a great veggie for detoxification Since broccoli is rich in fiber, it can help get rid of toxins through the digestive tract. Other than this, broccoli is also full of antioxidants that help in the overall detoxification of the body. Broccoli includes special phytonutrients that help in the body’s detox process. This means that the body gets rids of unwanted contaminants. Broccoli also contains isothiocyanates, which help in the detox process at the genetic level.
Good for the skin Skincare not only includes glow but also its immunity. Since broccoli is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and minerals such as copper and zinc, broccoli helps in maintaining healthy skin. This means it also protects the skin from getting infections as well as keeps the natural glow of your skin. Broccoli is full of vitamin K, amino acids, and folates, making it ideal for maintaining healthy skin immunity.
Good for the Eye Broccoli contains beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorous and other vitamins such as B complex, vitamin C and E. All these rich nutrients are great for eye health as these help in protecting the eyes against mascular degeneration, cataract and even repairs damage done by harmful radiations we go through by being constantly on our phones or being in front of a screen.
It serves as an anti-aging property Since broccoli is enriched with vitamin C, which has numerous antioxidant properties, it is great for anti-aging. This is because antioxidants help fight the free radicals responsible for aging. These free radicals often damage the skin. Eating broccoli regularly helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, skin issues like acne, and even pigmentation.
It prevents and fights pollution and toxins Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable with a number of helpful vitamins, minerals. What makes it an effective anti-pollution food is its ability to act down on certain pollutants. It’s not the sprouts themselves but the components found in the stub which are good for the body. In fact, a study conducted in China found out that broccoli sprouts were particularly helpful in fighting and detoxing away the air pollutants from the root.
When you eat broccoli, the phytochemical present in it, called glucoraphanin initiates a chemical reaction that attaches itself to the harmful benzene compound, breaks it down, and recharges the body to excrete it faster, before it gets the time to do the damage on the cellular level. The same mechanism has also been found helpful to get rid of toxins associated with pollution and cigarette smoke. Hence, detoxifying the body by consuming a simple vegetable like fresh broccoli juice or smoothie as soon as you hit home can alleviate some of the health risks at the ground level.
The people in the new study who drank a concentrated tea made with broccoli spouts excreted 61 percent more benzene and 23 percent more acrolein, a lung irritant, as compared with a group who drank a placebo beverage.
