Research in sugar substitutes

Research is to begin this year on sweet berry (Sapotanceae) which is 3,000 times sweeter than sugar for use as subtitute for sugar by diabetic patients.

If successful, the product will be recommended for exportation Consequently,plans are far advanced for the Bonsu Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC) and the Akuapem-Mampong Herbal Research Centre, all in the Eastern to begin effective research o the plant.

Mr. F. K. Ayensu, seed technologist of the PRGC revealed this to the media when the Horticulturists Association of Ghana, an umbrella of the Federation of Associations of Ghana Exporters (FAGE) paid an educative visit to the centre at Bonsu recently.

The visit, sponsored jointly by FAGE, ASTEC-INSU and the Accra Brewery Limited also offered the members of the association the opportunity to exploit plants which have the potential for eport.

Mr. Ayensu said the best substitute for sugar in diabetes is sweet berry (Aswa) in Akan which he said contains a very high percentage of proteins. Mr. Ayensu, who also conducted the HAG members round th elaboratories, plantations, and nurseries of the centre explained that the government need to boost of the cultivatio and exportation of black pepper (Piperacee) and nutmeg (Myristicacaee) since these products have a very high foreign market.

He pointed out that the centre which has a seed bank for these plants is prepared to help farmers who are interest to go into such production. He said a tonne of sweet-berry at the world market ranges between $ 3,000 and $ 4,000, far higher than cocoa.

The technologist therefore called on the government to give a priority to the research since its seeks to find a solution to the cure of diabetes and generate foreign exchange for the country.

Nana Yeboah-Kodie Asare ll, President of FAGE, appeled to the Ministry of Agriculture ot offer free of charge seeds and seedlings of nutmeg and black Pepper as in the case of coffee production.

He expressed concern of the cost of a seedling of black pepper which is C500, adding "this price would discourage prospective farmers".