Ghana`s fruit market dying out
The fruit industry in the country seems to be suffering a major setback considering latest rankings on the world market. Ghana has dropped from the third position on the Fruit Market Producers (FMP) chart to the eighth position in two (2) years.
In an interview with the paper, a member of Ghana Export Promotion Council, Roland Aggo noted that the industry was fast declining due to the shortcomings and inadequacies of stakeholders.
He attributed the problem to fact that Banks have increased their interest rate charges to a level that makes it difficult for farmers to contract loans.
That notwithstanding, he attributed part of the problem to poor road network, lack of storage facilities and the inability of farmers to unite in order to strengthen their position.
He emphasised the fact that there is a gradual increase in production levels, but bemoaned the fact that the farmers struggle to get their goods on the market due to lack of preservation.
“Lack of enough education on capacity building and advertisements are also part of the problems” he said.
Mr Aggo further commented on the difficulties in trading their products on European markets and even in the sub region.
He attributed this to the lack of market information to know more about what happens in the world market.
This, he said was also evident in the fact that there are no Ghanaian agents in Europe and elsewhere.
He thus proposed the inclusion of diversity in the market centres, adding value to the products and rejuvenation of the small holder pineapple producers to bring it back on board.
Below is a Chart of Production from 2000-2007