The pineapple exports at the lowest level

Sharp decline for exports of pineapple of Ghana.

Ghana currently exports about 35,000 tons of pineapple per year, the lowest level since more than 10 years. On the contrary in 2004, fresh pineapple exports reached 71,000 tons, making Ghana the second largest exporter after the Ivory Coast.

For professionals several reasons explain this collapse. The first cause of this decline is the placing of MD2 variety on the market by Costa Rica, sweeter pineapple which is now preferred in Europe. The variety grown in Ghana, smooth cayenne, is now less demanded. Other causes invoked: small farms, inputs of poor quality, lack of funding for culture.

The decline in exports is not without consequences for jobs. Job losses are estimated at farmers-producers to 500,000 people. In the processing industry jobs increased from 600,000 in 10 years to 60 000 actually.

source : graphic com gh