A number of Dutch leading vegetable companies are in the country to explore investments and trade opportunities in the vegetable sector.

The companies include Amatrex, Frugiventa, Kramer, Unitherm and Bejo Seeds.

Mr Andre Dekker of Bejo Seeds, speaking during the ninth GhanaVeg Business Platform meeting expressed optimism about the Ghanaian horticulture sector.

The meeting was on the theme: "Ghana and the Netherlands: Growing Together."

He said whilst in the country, the companies visited a group of carrot farmers in Mampong, where they currently produce 10 tons per hectare but with better seeds from some of the visiting companies and good seedbed preparation and planting with machines, they can easily increase yields up to 40 tons.

He said three of the companies, including Bejo Seeds, Kramer and Amatrex are planning to start some demonstrations and training with Ghanaian farmers in the Ashanti and Volta regions.

Mr Joep Van den Broek, GhanaVeg Programme Leader, explained that Ghana has a lot to offer in terms of opportunities for domestic production and exports of vegetable, whiles the Netherland could contribute much through its knowledge and technology for intensive horticulture.

"GhanaVeg believes that Ghana has the potential to drastically reduce vegetable import and increase exports, especially the current problems with phytosanitary notifications were on the top of the agenda.

"Together with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Association of vegetable exporters, we are working on a quick solution," he added.

Mr Broek said GhanaVeg contributed by supporting frontrunner companies with agronomic training and co-financing support for establishing certification and out-grower scheme.

Mr Samuel Asante-Mensah, the President, Ghana Institute of Horticulturists, said the platform was an opportunity for players in the vegetable value chain to meet, network and promote the growth of the sector.

He called on GhanaVeg, the organisers of the event, to encourage vegetable producers to grow more for increased consumption of vegetables.

“We need to promote increased consumption of local grown vegetables in Ghanaian menu," he added.

More than 100 Ghanaian vegetable companies attended the business platform, where presentations were made on new business opportunities in the field of private extension and vegetable exports.