Ghana is expected to harvest its first bunch of Acerola fruits in the next three years, following the cultivation of the cherry-like fruit at Essumegya, a farming community in the Bekwai municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The fruit, which is the first of its kind grown in the country, is a vitamin-rich crop native to South America.
Grown under the Acerola Farming Project by Genser Energy and Sono Global, the 10-hectare plantation is expected to boost economic development in host communities.
Acerola, a small cherry-like fruit, has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits and potential uses in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
The fruit is known for its exceptional vitamin C and antioxidant content, making it a powerhouse for supporting the immune system.
Native to South America, the vibrant red fruit also provides an array of other nutrients, including vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
Genser Energy and its partners, Sono Global, is investing in the cultivation of the fruit in the Essumegya community in the Ashanti region.
Known as the “Acerola Project”, the pilot project is aimed at providing the community with skills and resources for sustainable livelihoods.
“This is an alternative livelihood project to support the community here,” Community Relations Analyst at Genser Energy, Diane Green, noted.
The tropical fruit thrives in warm, tropical climates and is usually consumed fresh, as juice, powder, or in tablet form.
Agricultural Economist at the KNUST, Dr. Camillus A. Wongnaa, notes that the plant requires small amounts of moisture to grow amidst climate change impacts.
“So even if it doesn’t rain the plant is able to survive, by doing so the plant is becoming so resilient to climate change” he said.
At least fifty-five farmers, mostly women, have been enrolled in the project.
Anna Klapper, Vice President of External Communications at Genser Energy, reiterated the company’s commitment to community development.
“We already have an off-taker for this particular project. We are expected to harvest the crops in the next 2 to 3 years,” she said.
Paramount Chief of Essumegya, Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama, commended the strategic collaboration of Genser Energy and Sono Global for the sustainable community development.
According to him, the farming of the Acerola plant will also serve as protection to the Genser pipeline that passes through Essumegya.
“By this project, we should be able to protect that gas pipeline as a national asset. I believe that in due time a factory will be set up here in Essumeja to continue the value chain through beneficiation and even supporting the local pharmaceutical companies in Ghana,” he stated.
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