The Ayensu Starch Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has announced its intention to collaborate with the CSIR-Crops Research Institute at Fumesua in the Ashanti region to engage in commercial cassava production.
The officials from the Ayesu Factory, led by its General Manager, Mr. Elvis Ayim, together with their Thailand counterparts, visited the CSIR-Crops Research Institute.
“We came here to initiate a partnership with the CSIR-Crops Research Institute to explore the most effective methods for commercial cassava production. To aid us in this endeavor, we have enlisted the expertise of individuals from Thailand to assist us in increasing our production. As research is an integral part of the planting process, we are here to collaborate with the institute and acquire superior planting materials.”
“Cassava has a lifespan of one year, and we anticipate that within this timeframe, we will begin to witness the positive outcomes of our partnership.” The General Manager stated in an interview with Oyerepafmonline.com
Mr. Ayim, holds an optimistic outlook, believing that after a year, their partnership will yield significant improvements.
However, he acknowledged the necessity of government’s intervention in Ghana’s farming activities to make them more appealing to the youth.
“Our current farming practices fail to attract the younger generation. I often remark that the way we obtain our food is nothing short of miraculous, as there is no profitability in farming. The Thai experts we have brought with us achieve a yield of 100 tons per hectare of cassava cultivation, while we only manage to produce 10 tons. This stark contrast demonstrates the profitability of farming in Thailand, and thus, the government should consider adjusting its policy direction.” He said.
Dr. Victor Amakwa, the director of the Tissue Culture Laboratory at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, extended an invitation to the officials from the Ayensu Starch Factory and their Thai partners to visit their research center and laboratory, followed by a tour of the cassava farm.
