The Dutch government in its bid to reinforce its commitment to help boost Ghana’s horticultural sector has wooed five leading companies into the country to help transform the vegetable sector.
The companies would be exploring investments, trade opportunities and build partnerships with local farmers.
The group were unveiled at the 9th GhanaVeg Business Platform under the theme: “Ghana and the Netherlands: Growing Together”.
The mission includes one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies, Bejo Seeds; a constructor of cold store facilities, Unitherm; as well as two mechanization companies, Kramer and Amatrex.
The mission is led by Peter Verbaas, the Director of the Dutch fruit and vegetable wholesale association, FrugiVenta made up of more than 300 companies with a combined turnover of more than €10 billion per year.
During the Business Platform meeting, the Dutch companies met with over 100 Ghanaians vegetable to network and share ideas.
There were presentations on new business opportunities in the field of private extension and vegetable exports.
Speaking at the event, Andre Dekker of Bejo Seeds expressed optimism about the Ghanaian horticulture sector.
He said they were impressed by the opportunities in Ghana’s vegetable sector and promised to collaborate effectively with their Ghanaian counterparts to boost the horticulture sector.
“We visited a group of carrot farmers in Mampong last week. There are currently producing 10 tons per hectare. But with better seeds from our company and good seedbed preparation and planting with the machines of Kramer and Amatrex, you can easily increase yields to 40 tons.”
Mr. Andre Dekker said Bejo, Kramer and Amatrex are planning to start a number of demonstrations and trainings with Ghanaian farmers in the Ashanti and Volta region.
Joep van den Broek
For his part, leader of GhanaVeg, Joep van den Broek said there is a lot of opportunities for domestic production and exports of vegetables in Ghana. He promised the contribution of the Netherlands through knowledge and technology for intensive horticulture.
“GhanaVeg contributes by supporting frontrunner companies with agronomic trainings and co-financing support for establishing certification and out grower schemes” he added
Mr. Broek stated that they are working with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the association of vegetable exporters (GAVEX) to ensure Ghana reduces vegetable imports drastically and increase exports.
