AGRITECH WEST AFRICA 2025 EXHIBITION

ANNOUNCEMENT ! ANNOUNCEMENT !! ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

AGRITECH WEST AFRICA 2025 is organizing its 4th edition Exhibition co-located with AGRO PROCESS PACK GHANA

Date : 19-20 September 2025

Venue : Accra International Conference Center, Ghana

EXHIBITION STATS AT A GLANCE:

100+ EXHIBITORS | 4000+ PROFESSIONAL VISITORS

8+ COUNTRIES | 3500+ SQM Exhibition AREA

Exhibit Profile:

Agriculture machinery & implements, Tractors & Construction Machines, Seeds and seedlings, Plant production & Crop Care, Agrochemicals and agro inputs, Fertilizers, irrigation systems pipes pumps motors, Poultry Livestock and animal husbandry, Feed additives, Dairy technology, spare parts, Water recycling, Storage and warehousing, Graining processing Milling and machines, Agrofood processing packaging machines and materials etc.

Supporting Partners :

Ministry of Food & Agriculture, WACOA, Croplife Ghana, GUTA, FONG, FAGE, Guzakuza etc.

Participating Countries :

India, Ghana, Nigeria, China, Turkey, Italy, Ivory Coast, Togo, South Africa

Register to attend the expo: https://register.eazytagg.com/O7Gw

For more information and bookings, please contact:

Thomas James, Director Exhibitions

wtsp: +233 27 7700745 / +91 9311783733

email: projects@synergiceindia.com

CropLife Ghana Leads Fight to Save Bees and Boost Cashew Yields at Wenchi stakeholders’ Workshop

Cashew is an important economic tree crop that produces both apples and nuts. It thrives in areas with annual rainfall between 900–1,400 mm and distinct wet and dry seasons.

In Ghana, cashew is cultivated in 14 out of the 16 regions, highlighting its economic significance. The cashew industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing global demand for raw nuts leading to ready markets and better farm-gate prices.

The use of pesticides has helped cashew farmers significantly increase yields by controlling insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), plant diseases (fungicides), and other pests. However, the misuse and misapplication of these chemicals have posed serious threats to pollinators like bees—essential agents for pollination and biodiversity.

Over the past six years, interest in cashew cultivation in Ghana has grown due to its benefits for farm families and its flourishing export market. About 88% of production is carried out by smallholder farmers, often using family or hired labor, especially during harvest. Cashews are harvested during the lean season for major staples like maize, yam, plantain, and millet—making the crop crucial for food security.

Pollination plays a fundamental role in ecosystems, directly supporting food security and biodiversity. In cashew farming, pollinators are vital for productivity. Therefore, it’s essential that the use of chemical crop protection is compatible with pollinator health.

Concerns have emerged over declining bee populations in cashew orchards, particularly in the Bono East Region, which is affecting productivity. In response, the Department of Local Government and Rural Development has distributed over 200 beehives to cashew farmers in the region to support biodiversity.

Evidence suggests that pesticide use and pollinator health can coexist when chemicals are applied responsibly and according to best practices.

To address these concerns, CropLife Ghana, in collaboration with CropLife Africa Middle East and the Wenchi Directorate of Food and Agriculture, organized a stakeholders’ workshop in Wenchi. The aim was to educate actors in the cashew value chain on the safe and responsible use of pesticides to safeguard pollinator health and biodiversity in the Bono East Region.

Participants included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cashew farmers, beekeepers, local government officials, spray service providers, and the media.

Source : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/croplife-ame_msmeday-supportsmallbusiness-sustainableagriculture-activity-7344212949118386177-pVZw/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAADxsuwQB4udKdhya8HfTKNDEPhfhTwWoGBc

CROPLIFE GHANA HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF CEOs AND MDs

Published on 5th May 2025

CropLife Ghana, an Association of Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors of pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, and other agriculture inputs in Ghana held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for CEOs and MDs of its companies on Tuesday, 29th of April 2025 at the Mendsvic Grande Hotel, East Legon, Accra.

The association which is affiliated with CropLife Africa Middle East (CLAME) and CropLife International (CLI) promotes sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology in the areas of crop protection, plant nutrition, agricultural pest control, seeds, and plant biotechnology.

The AGM brought together the CEOs and MDs of all its Twenty-Three (23) member companies namely, RMG Ghana Limited, BASF Ghana, Corteva, Rainbow Agrisciences, Chemico Ghana, Solevo Ghana, AgroHao Company Limited, AgroCrown West Africa Company Limited, Adama West Africa, Calli Ghana, Bayer WCA, Dizengoff Ghana, Crop Doctor, Bentronics Agrochemicals Ltd, Kumark Agrochemicals Ltd, The Candel Ghana, Yara Ghana, Overseas Warehouse, Wynca Sunshine, Jubaili Agrotec Limited, Afcott Ghana Limited, Reiss & Co. Ghana and Bon Agro Limited.

Key among the discussions was the promotion of product life cycle stewardship, aimed at ensuring farmers get the best quality and affordable products whilst minimizing risk to farmers, crops, and the environment.

At the meeting, Members discussed the need to enforce measures to enhance the quality of products in the markets through standardization and collaboration with regulators such as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (PPRSD-MoFA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) among others.

Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the Director for the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Office of the President of Ghana, was the special guest speaker at the AGM.

He shared with the association, H.E President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for the agricultural sector and the various initiatives being undertaken under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).

Dr. Otokunor reiterated the government’s commitment for continues engagement and collaboration with the association to achieve the vision of agriculture modernization for the creation of wealth and jobs in Ghana.

Croplife Ghana Pays a Courtesy Call to the Deputy Minister of Food and agriculture, John Dumelo

A dedicated team from CropLife Ghana led by their President Mr. Bernard Okutu engaged in a constructive dialogue with the Honorable John Dumelo, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture.

The primary focus of this meeting was to underscore the critical importance of actively involving industry stakeholders in order to ensure the successful implementation of the Feed Ghana Programme, as well as other pertinent government initiatives within the agricultural sector.

CropLife Ghana is an association of Manufacturers, importers and distributers of pesticides, fertilizers and other agric inputs in Ghana with a total membership of 23 companies and counting. CropLife Ghana acts as an ambassador for the plant science industry, encouraging understanding and dialogue whilst promoting sound science and agricultural technology in the context of sustainable development.

CropLife Ghana is affiliated to CropLife Africa Middle East (CLAME) and CropLife International.

Our members include RMG Ghana Limited, BASF Ghana, Corteva, Rainbow Agrisciences, Chemico Ghana, Solevo Ghana, AgroHao Company Limited, AgroCrown West Africa Company Limited, Adama West Africa, Calli Ghana, Bayer WCA, Dizengoff Ghana, Crop Doctor, Bentronics Agrochemicals Ltd, Kumark Agrochemicals Ltd, The Candel Ghana, Yara Ghana, Overseas Warehouse, Wynca Sunshine, Jubaili Agrotec Limited, Afcott Ghana Limited, Reiss & Co. Ghana and Bon Agro Limited.

During the discussion, a variety of significant issues were addressed, including the urgent need to expedite the processing of tax exemption documents related to agricultural inputs. It was emphasized that streamlining this process is essential to alleviate the logistical challenges currently faced at the ports. By doing so, we can significantly enhance the ability of our member companies to deliver essential agricultural inputs to the farming community, thereby supporting food production and agricultural sustainability.

CropLife Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that high-quality agricultural inputs are accessible to every farmer throughout the nation. Through the collaborative efforts of our member companies, we aim to empower the agricultural sector and contribute to the overall growth and development of Ghana’s food security landscape.

Pest Diagnosis And Management Training in the Ashanti Region And Northern Region

CropLife Ghana in collabration with CABI organized one(1) day  training for Agronomists, Sales and Marketing Representatives  on Pest Diagnosis and Management on 18th March, 2025 at Noda Hotel, Fumesu in the Ashanti Region and on 20th March, 2025 at Modern City Hotel, Tamale in the Northern Region.

The whole of module training takes the trainees from describing symptoms to learning about the causes of symptoms and then onto how to ascribe those symptoms to various causes.

The training equipped the trainees with hands on using existing calendar program to offer improvement, the digital and physical tools that give diagnostic support in the field. At he end of the training, participants were able to diagnose pests and diseases at individual level and group level, which enables them to choose the best management option for farmers.

Some topics treated are as follows;
• 1. Major group of pests
• 2. Diagnostic Process
• 3. Table of confusion
• 4. Fertilizer Materials and Nutrient Deficiency
• 5. Mode of Action and Resistance Management
• 6. Germination and viability tests for seed rate determination

7. Field Diagnostic

The training was facilitator by Mrs. Hannah Serwaa Nuamah and Mr. Patrick Beseh from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (PPRSD-MOFA), Accra and Madam Birgitta Oppong- Mensah of CABI

Noda Hotel And Modern City Hotel Training Pictures Below;

CROPLIFE GHANA IN COLLABORATION WITH ETG BEYOND BEANS TO TRAIN 144 SPRAY SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE ASHANTI AND WESTERN REGION OF GHANA

CropLife is a regional federation representing the plant science industry and a network of national associations across the world. It is committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds, and plant biotechnology. CropLife Ghana, as a member association, focuses on Crop Protection, Partnerships, Projects, and Plant Biotech.

In a memorandum of Understanding signed between Croplife Ghana and ETG Beyond Beans in August 2024, Croplife Ghana was tasked with the selection, training and equipping of One Hundred and Forty-Six Farmers/Spray service providers in some selected Beyond Beans focus areas and hubs. This training was designed to introduce the Spray Service Provider Concept to farmers and input dealers in Konongo, Bekwai, New Edubiase, Nsokote and Samreboi in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana

Training Objectives:

The objectives of the training were:

v  To equip participants in knowledge of safe and responsible use of pesticides

v  To promote use of genuine pesticides and fertilizers

v  To promote safe collection and proper disposal of empty pesticides containers

v  To promote the need for good management practices to safe guide produce and environment

v  To equip participants in knowledge and skill in proper pruning of cocoa farm

v  To build capacity of participants to see the service provision in cocoa as business opportunity to explore (Business for the youth)

v  To equip participants in knowledge and skills in proper records keeping

 Brief Description of training Activity

 

The training was organized in two sessions starting from 9th September to 1st November 2024 in batches of at most fifteen (15) participants at each location. The training program was well organized by the IMS officer in the various districts as each of them have vast knowledge about the geographical area and have excellent working relationship with the farmers as well. All training sessions were successfully carried out as scheduled with the participants. The training program was not residential as suc participants had to commute each day from their respective communities to the training venue which caused some few delays in starting throughout the training period.

Majority of the participants were youthful comprising of about 60% with the remaining slightly above the youthful cut off point but energetic and ready to be trained as Service providers. This falls in line with one of the criteria for the selection of SSP’s as individuals must be willing and ready to be trained and also ability to use the training as an additional profession to generate additional income.  It was observed that few of the participants present were already part of the Government mass spraying and pruning gangs providing spray services to farmers with little technical knowledge on safe and responsible application use of crop protection products etc. Additionally, it was observed that almost all the participants had no knowledge about Pesticide mode of action (MOA) which is key to effective and efficient control of pest. Majority of the farmers testified of misusing pesticides and therefore causing harm to themselves and the environment. The training employed participatory training approach including interactive sessions, questions and answers as participants shared experiences on crop protection products which were highly dangerous to their health and many years of misusing these products. Participants testified that this training is one of the important trainings they have acquired and should be expanded to the whole community. A lot of questions were asked by participants which was a good sign on the part of participant’s readiness to learn new things. Materials used for the training included combination of visuals (Pictures), demonstrations (field visits), games, and practical observations/analysis. The sessions were conducted in English and (Twi) to ensure full comprehension by participants.

 Practical training

Practical training sessions was properly organized by IMS officer and the technical staff in cocoa farms and registered agro inputs shops at various locations often not too far from the training venue. Both spraying and pruning equipment’s were available for practical session.

Participants were divided into groups for proper scouting and assessment of farm after proper recommendations and actions. Three (3) major activities were carried out on the field namely Pruning, scouting and practical application of pesticides to ascertain things learnt during the theory sessions.

 

Practical training sessions- 1st training

Interesting Topics

Farmers showed more interest in all the topics especially Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Scouting, Pruning, Pesticides formulation, mode of action and SSP as Business. It was also realized farmers were aware of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) but unaware of its importance in the Crop Protection Industry. Participants were trained on ways to put on PPE’s, removal and storage to prevent household hazards.

 Difficult Topics

It was observed from all topics treated that, pesticide formulation and reading the label were difficult for almost all the participants. Therefore, much time was spent with a lot of illustrations and field visit to agro input shop before concept was fully grabbed by participants. This is one of the major challenges faced by farmers across the country and therefore susceptible to fake products in the markets. Proper reading and identification of pesticide labels and its application will eliminate a lot of faking and adulteration of CPP’s in the farming areas thereby increasing yields and household incomes.

 Challenges

A few challenges encountered by the team are as enumerated below:

1.      Late reporting of participants to training due to travel time and distance

2.      Erratic rainfalls and poor weather conditions

3.      Some of the participants could not read and write but were eager to be trained as SSP’S

4.      Transport allowance; Without the timely intervention of the IMS officers who explained the importance of the training to their businesses, most of the farmers were willing to boycott the training over transport allowance and accommodation

 Conclusions

In conclusion, the participants were eager and enthusiastic to learn new things throughout the training period. The practice of safe and responsible use of pesticides by farmers is key as far as standard assurance for cocoa production is concern.  Hence, embracing good quality trainings, supervision and monitoring is a necessity to meet certification standards, protection of the environment whiles maintaining good health for farmers.

 Recommendations:

·         It is recommended that transportation should be considered in subsequent trainings as most of the communities where the farmers were selected are far apart

·         Safe and responsible use of pesticide training is more technical and therefore refresher trainings should be considered in future

 

Business training session -1ST Training

1st training visit to Agro inputs shop at Asankare

 

Discussion on conterfeit and illigal pesticides