Need to establish scientific research centre-Lecturer

He said the establishment of the centre would help tackle diseases and pests issues of mango.

He made the call at the 2nd National Seminar of the Global Pollination Project, Ghana in Accra under the theme Enhancing the Ghanaian Economy and Food Security through Sustainable Conservation of Pollinators.

The Global Pollination Project is a five-year initiative being implemented in seven partner countries of Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, India, Pakistan and South Africa.

The project is funded by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) through Global Environmental Facility and coordinated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization with co-funding from partner countries.

The objective of the seminar is to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods through enhanced conservation and sustainable use of pollinators.

It aims at harnessing the benefits of pollination services provided by wild biodiversity for human livelihoods and sustainable agriculture, through ecosystem approach in the seven selected countries.

He said the production of mango contributed significantly to health benefit of the population and there was the need to ensure its conservation and sustainability devoid of any diseases and pest infections.

Dr Annoh urged government to pay attention to mango production and assist farmers to produce more to meet the large demand of the population.

Professor Peter Kwapong, Project Coordinator, said in Ghana the project is being implemented in three sites; Mankessim, Dodowa and Kubeasi/Bobiri and focusing on three priority crops of cocoa, mango and vegetables-garden eggs.

He said Ghanas economy depended heavily on crops that demand animal pollination and it was important that the nation paid attention to the issue of conservation and sustainable utilization of pollinators within the environment, which are mainly insects or bees.

Prof Kwapong said the project had been carrying out activities in four thematic areas; knowledge generation and documentation, best management practices, capacity building and awareness creation and it involves farmers, extension agents, students, researchers and the general public to gather and document information on pollination.

He said farmers in the project sites had been encouraged to list and document practices that are best to help attract and retain pollinators on the agricultural landscapes.

Prof Kwapong said training manuals had been developed and training carried out for farmers and extension agents in order to develop crop specific management plans.

Prof Mary Botwe said the University of Cape Coast was pleased to be one of the implementing institutions for the project adding that pollinators constituted important components whose services are crucial in ensuring food security.

GNA