The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has signed an MOU with Israel for the training of some 50 Ghanaian Agric students in Israel to boost vegetable production in Ghana.

The technology exchange program will offer training to the students in modern agriculture practices especially in the area of Green House vegetable production as a step towards increasing local production and export of vegetables.

Under the agreement, Agro Studies - the international centre for agricultural studies in Israel will offer an 11 month paid internship for the group of Ghanaian graduates in Israel.
 
In an Interview after the signing of the MOU in Accra, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto said this initiative is part of his outfit’s plans to make Ghana a leader in vegetable export.

He said, “Upon their return, the government of Ghana through the Agric Ministry will help the students settle down and establish their own greenhouse farms where production of vegetables will take centre stage so that we can increase our exports of vegetables to match or exceed proceeds from cocoa.”

On his part the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Ami Mehl added that this training will give students a hands-on feel of latest technologies.

“We are sure they will learn a lot in Israel and they will bring these technologies to Ghana and create some real change,” Mr Ami Mehl added.

Amongst the programs would be the establishment of three satellite centres in the Greater Accra, and Ashanti regions for the training and production of greenhouse vegetable farming.

Currently, there are two operational centres in Dawhenya and Kasoa whereas the Green House facility in Akomadan is also expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Selection of the students for the training has already begun and the qualified students are expected to leave Ghana in September.