A plantain processing factory would soon come on stream in Agogo to help tackle the chronic post-harvest losses of plantain, a staple food crop. The factory will processed plantain into chips and flour for both local consumption and for export.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akim North, Mr Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, told the Ghana News Agency that it was being set up by a team of local investors with technical support from Brazil.

He however, did not mention when actual construction works would begin but said “a lot of ground work had been done.” According to the MP, the anticipated benefits to farmers would be enormous, adding that, they would now be assured of ready market and good price.

Additionally, the stressful situation where about half of the district’s total plantain production got rotten annually, largely because of the lack of storage and processing facilities coupled with the bad nature of the road network, would be subdued.

Mr Baah Agyemang vowed to ensure that the project became operational to strengthen and bring vibrancy in the economy to improve livelihood of the people in the area.

He encouraged the formation of strong farmer associations to enhance their bargaining power and avoid being cheated by middlemen.