Kumasi, July 10, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has begun research into the possibility of using bio-technology techniques to upgrade the nutritional value of cocoa pod husk for use as animal feed.

Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, the Vice-Chancellor, said this had become necessary because of the under-utilization of the huge volumes of the husk generated in the country.

The department of bio-chemistry and bio-technology of the university is undertaking the project with support from the Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund (TALIF).

Various attempts to find an appropriate use for the by-product, especially its use as animal feed had been fruitless due to its high fibre content.

Professor Adarkwa made this known at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the GRATIS Foundation and KNUST to help develop, promote and disseminate marketable technologies and skills for the growth of industry.

The Vice-Chancellor signed the five-year agreement for the University whilst Mr Emmanuel Asiedu, Chief Executive Officer of GRATIS, signed for the Foundation.

Professor Adarkwa said the research would explore the use of oyster and mushroom to ferment the husk for a period of time to increase the protein and soluble contents of the husk as well as decrease the fibre contents significantly.

He said it was the first ever study on the improvement of cocoa pod husk through fermentation with an edible mushroom and called on stakeholders to support it to achieve its set objectives.

Under the MOU, GRATIS would support engineering students to produce machine parts and send them back to school for the award of marks which would be part of their continuous assessment.

Mr Asiedu said he was confident that the collaboration would help the nation to achieve a breakthrough in science and technology.