Food Research Institute unveils training models for food entrepreneurs

THE Food Research Institute (FRI) of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is calling individuals, groups and the public to explore its food training models designed for businesses and households.  

Prof Charles Tortoe, Director, FRI, said the training models were on roots and tube crops like (cassava, sweet potato, yams, cocoa yams), cereals (maize, rice, millet, sorghum), legumes (beans, cowpea groundnuts), vegetables, fruits and cash crops like cocoa, cashew and coffee amongst others. 

He said this at the beginning of a four-day CSIR Food Fair in Accra to mark the World Food Day on the theme: “Food is Life, Food is Medicine, Leave No One Behind.” 

Prof Tortoe said the FRI in fulfillment of its mandate, had conducted research into all challenges of food regarding food preservation, processing, storage, distribution, utilisation and the technologies needed.  

He said the technologies had always been transferred to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and individuals, adding that “these training models are so unique and excellent for any individual who wants to start a business.”  

“We make sure that all the SMEs, all the entrepreneurs and companies that have benefited in our training are doing well. This year, more attention will be paid to post-harvest management so that the high losses of food we are experiencing in Ghana can be curtailed,” he added.  

The Director said the FRI’s research findings are user-friendly and practical for anyone to start a business and interested people would be guided to take off and grow into the business to help create more jobs and promote food security. 

Prof Paul Pinnock Bosu, Director General, CSIR, in an address, said, the Food and Agriculture Organisation reported that chronic food insecurity continued to plague the world and in Ghana, close to 800 people are facing hunger. 

He said as stakeholders they had a responsibility to ensure no one in their community, family, amongst friends and neighbours lose their lives or the quality of lives due to their irresponsible handling of food and food systems. 

“The right to health is a fundamental human right. We at CSIR will continue to contribute our quota in the development of nutrition-enriched varietal crops for roots and tubers, cereals and legumes, fruits and vegetables, fish, meat products and technologies…to safeguard our nutritional needs,” Prof Bosu said. 

Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, urged the public to be mindful of what they eat as food consumed played a pivotal role not only in growing the bodies but also preventing and treating diseases. 

 She said people who had access to adequate nutrition were more likely to have a strong immune system, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower rates of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases as they lived longer. 

“There’s no better time than now to build a supportive environment, nurturing children and young adults in society and promoting good health,” she added.