It is part of the aggressive push by the Food and Agriculture Ministry to check post-harvest losses. So far 40 farmers and extension officers have benefitted from the programme, facilitated by the Ashanti Regional Agricultural Development Unit.

 They were exposed to a traditional way of preserving fruits and vegetables known as “iceless cooler”, which involves the use of the jute sack, wooden frame, basin and water. The local technology is capable of keeping these foods from decay for longer periods – maintain the freshness, quality and texture.

Mrs. Sandra Asare, the Municipal Officer, Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD), said the goal was to help increase the income of farmers’.  She added that the situation where fruit and vegetable growers were forced to sell their produce at give-away prices because these were perishable could not continue.

She indicated that the "iceless cooler" was affordable and of immense benefit to desired.

Mrs. Asare said fruits and vegetables were subject to rapid deterioration due to the high water content, active metabolism, low humidity and poor handling after harvest.  She therefore entreated farmers to adopt the "iceless cooler" method to keep fruits and vegetables from spoilage.