Surplus cassava processed into pastries in Ahanta West District Assembly

The Ahanta West District Assembly has begun processing cassava into food products,  Mr Joseph Dofoyena, the District Chief Executive, has said.

He told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Takoradi on Wednesday that the region produces 35,827 metric tonnes per year with a surplus of 10,549.

He said the Assembly, in collaboration with the district’s Agricultural Directorate, has consulted the Food Research Institute to train 30 bakers to process the cassava into bread and other pastries.

Mr Dofoyena said other crop farmers would be encouraged to increase production and appealed to the people not to abandon farming and fishing in pursuit of greener pastures.

Mr John Donkor, a citizen of the region, is also using citrollena leaves, which is common in the district, to produce soap for sale.

He told the GNA that the by-product of the soap also serves as manure on farms.

Mr Paul Ofori Acheampong, District Agricultural Director, appealed to farmers in the area not to neglect the cultivation of plantain and maize else very soon the area might import food.

He said plantain and maize fell short by 1,782 and 1,078 per annum respectively while production of vegetables is very discouraging and urged the farmers to step up production.

The district cultivates cash and food crops such as rubber, oil palm cocoa, plantain, maize and vegetables.

Source: GNA