Establish horticultural authority for development of sector — Prof. Abubakar

The President of the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH), Professor Abdul-Halim Abubakar, has called for a holistic approach to horticultural development in order to tap into the sector’s full economic potential. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the institute’s annual general meeting and scientific conference in Accra, he explained that this could be done through the establishment of a dedicated horticultural authority to foster dedicated funding, enhance technical capacity, and bridge the gap between research and business.

Prof Abubakar, who is also a professor of environmental horticulture at the University for Development Studies, said traditional views of horticulture had undermined its potential adding that historically, crops such as  vegetables were perceived as low-value and often relegated to the periphery of farming practices.

However, he said that the landscape was changing, with increased recognition of the economic benefits that horticultural crops offered, particularly in the context of the vegetable value chain, food crops and the ornamental industry.

“Our current focus should not be on fragmented policies but rather on a holistic approach to horticultural development,” he said.

He called for the government to emulate successful models from countries like Kenya and South Africa, where horticultural authorities existed. 

Conference

The conference explored innovative methods to enhance the horticultural sector's contributions to the economy, especially in the light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the significance of immune-boosting foods.

It was on the theme, “Advancing research and business agenda for rapid growth of the horticulture industry: the role of the Ghana Institute of Horticulturalist”.

Prof. Abubakar pointed out that vegetables and fruits played a crucial role in health and nutrition and that there was a vast potential for value addition within these markets.

Describing horticulture as a true gold mine, he stressed  the need for a new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers, adding that horticulture could serve as a pathway to job creation for the youth of Ghana.

He said horticultural products, such as shea, which could open doors to lucrative industries like cosmetics.

“To fully tap into their potential, we need to think about how we can process and export these products effectively”. he said.

Policy

The Honorary Secretary of the institute, Dr Mohammed Dawuda Mujitaba, pointed out the poor quality of horticultural products and the inadequacy of local production, leading to increasing importation of essential items like tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.

As a result, he said revamping horticulture in the country required substantial investment from the government.

“There must be a strategic policy direction aimed at encouraging local production of these critical crops.

“We need policies that empower the youth, equipping them with the necessary resources to enhance the production capabilities within horticulture," he said.