The Sunyani Greenfield Mango Farmers Association has inaugurated a state-of-the-art agricultural resource center in the Bono Region of Ghana. This initiative follows their previous operations from rented locations, marking a significant step towards enhancing support for local mango producers.
Constructed with the assistance of the Blue Skies Foundation, the new facility aims to empower over 200 members of the association, which includes a diverse group of farmers such as women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Project partners emphasize that the center will bolster farming practices and improve organizational capabilities within the mango supply chain.
By centralizing operations, the resource center is expected to lower both administrative and operational expenses, thereby streamlining the association’s activities and services. The facility will serve as a hub for training programs, innovation, and the exchange of information among farmers.
Equipped with a conference hall, offices, an input shop, and essential amenities, the center is designed to facilitate meetings, training sessions, and the distribution of agricultural inputs. It aims to promote the adoption of advanced agronomic techniques, enhance access to quality planting materials, and provide vital market information.
Named in honor of Mr. Ernest Adjei Ablorh, the former Head of Agronomy at Blue Skies, the center represents a long-term commitment to agricultural development in the region. Dr. Pile, a representative from Blue Skies, praised the local mango farmers for their ongoing collaboration and urged them to increase their supply allocations, which currently stand at 70 percent.
Mr. Alistair Djimatey, who leads Foundation and Corporate Affairs at Blue Skies, highlighted the center’s role in broader efforts to engage youth in agriculture, including initiatives like the School Farm of the Year program. He expressed the importance of changing perceptions about agriculture among young people, stating, “This center is a place where youth can acquire practical skills and apply them in the field.”
Mr. Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Bono Regional Extension Officer, reassured farmers that the Department of Agriculture would continue to provide critical extension services and integrate research into mango farming practices. He acknowledged the challenges farmers face in accessing buyers and emphasized the significance of stable off-take arrangements over mere market demand.
Chairman of the Sunyani Greenfield Mango Farmers Association, Mr. George Kafui Agbozo, noted that the partnership with Blue Skies has been pivotal in providing stability, particularly given the perishable nature of mangoes. Blue Skies currently procures about 70 percent of the association’s mango production. The new resource center aims to enhance production, improve post-harvest processes, and coordinate efforts within the mango value chain, with a focus on optimizing farm management and ensuring consistent supply.
