Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), has signed a memorandum of understanding, with Afro-India Technology & Societal Transformation (AITST) Foundation, to accelerate the introduction of modern technologies and scientific methods along the cashew value chain.

The MOU with AITST Foundation seeks to establish mutually beneficial or “win-win” collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders in the cashew industry in Ghana through technology and machinery support for the government’s ten years cashew development plan.

GEPA, in collaboration with the private sector, is implementing a 10-Year Cashew Development Plan aimed at developing the cashew industry and supporting rural enterprise development in Ghana; as well as diversifying Ghana’s cash crop base from dependence on cocoa.

After a short ceremony to sign the deal, Chief Executive Officer for GEPA, Gifty Klenam, said the agreement is in line with the commitment of the government’s quest to support smallholders’ farmers in the Agricultural value chain.

“The agreement, will, place farmers first in bringing modern technology, to enhance production and processing of cashew, for increased export and revenue for Ghana,” she said.

AITST Foundation is an initiative by the African and Indian leaders chaired by Mahesh Patel, Executive Chairman of ETG to ensure Sub-Saharan Africa emerges as a truly global food provider by 2030.

Its core objective is to bring modern and cutting-edge technology interventions, from smallholder farmers to governments of Sub-Saharan Africa at all stages of Agric-value chains.

Gifty Klenam noted that “The AITST Foundation’s mission is to percolate cutting-edge scientific research and ITC expertise into rural Sub-Saharan Africa to bring socio-economic impact to its rural population, and in turn achieve improved living standards and self-sufficiency by connecting smallholder farmers to sustainable opportunities.”

The framework seeks to regulate, formalize and provide strategic investment to revamp the industry, increase production and productivity along the cashew value chain.