New Technology For Vegetable Production Introduced In Ghana

The Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC) of the University of Ghana, Stevicksen Ventures Ltd (SVL) and Eisenberg-Agri (Beijing) Ltd have jointly introduced an Enviro Dome Greenhouse System in Ghana as a catalyst for all year round production of vegetables. The objective of the Enviro Drome Technology is to ensure that a more safer and quality vegetables are produced for consumers. It is also an enhancing technology to grow vegetables under controlled atmosphere. Speaking to Myjoyonline.com at the exhibition of eight constructed Enviro Drome in the Eastern Region of Ghana, the Dean of the Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC) of the University of Ghana Prof George Oduro Nkansa said, the technology has become necessary because of the demand for vegetables both locally and internationally. He said, Ghana is currently in an advantageous position to meet the demand for crops such as okro, pepper, tomato and cucumber among other forms of vegetables required for the European market. According to Prof Nkansa, consultants and other relevant stakeholders came together to design the Enviro Dome technology to attract a lot more youth into agriculture and also promote the model for higher yields. The Professor added, that insects and diseases are controlled which eventually reduces the use of Agro-Chemicals that tend to be harmful to consumers. The Chief Executive Officer of Stevicksen Ventures Mr Steven Akorli said, the focus of his outfit is to create the conducive environments for production of vegetables in Ghana particularly with emphasis on farmers in the remote parts of the country. He said agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana�s economy hence, the need to complement government's effort by the introduction of such modern methods of farming to enhance the socio-economic status of the people. Mr Akorli noted, Ghana abounds in numerous natural resources coupled with suitable land for large scale farming adding that, the long term vision of the partnership is to replicate the Enviro Drome in most Municipal and District Assemblies across the country. �With this technology, massive employment will be created for our teeming youth. They will export the produce and make more income for themselves and if you start with this method between two and four months you can start harvesting�� he stated.. The representative of Eisenberg-Agri (Beijing) Ltd an Israeli/Chinese Company, David Mindel said, the Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC) of the University of Ghana will serve as a centre of excellence to train interested groups, individuals and institutions while his outfit will provide the technical support. David Mindel also observed the concept has been successfully implemented in most countries in South America, Europe and Asia, adding there is the need for Ghana to take up the challenge and emulate these countries to improve on her foreign exchange earnings. Meanwhile, a team of Professors and Crop Scientists from Bayero University, Kano Nigeria are already in Ghana to study the Enviro Drome concept which they intend to establish in Nigeria.