Alamuddin, an entrepreneur with numerous businesses across the globe, recently decided to invest in the crop sector. On the other hand, his friend Sharar decided to invest in goods and products like clothes, criticizing his literate friend’s outrageous ideas.

It’s true that many educated people still think that investing in the agro-sector is a waste of money, but is the rumor 100% accurate? Firstly, when an educated or knowledgeable person expresses a desire to invest in the agro-sector, it may come across as humorous to others. So, let’s clarify the rumor:

The truth is that the agro-sector is among the best places to invest, and the crop segment is unquestionably the best choice. Ghana is an attractive investment destination due to its vast arable land, favorable climate, and different ecosystems, which contribute to its increasing demand. These resources facilitate the growth of crops, the raising of cattle, and the development of fisheries.

Why should an investor invest in Ghana’s crop market

Ghana’s agricultural business is poised for growth. Ghana has a huge population that is still growing, which makes it simple for farming goods to find a market. There is still a big need for important foods like vegetables, rice, soybeans, corn, taro, and cassava. Ghana’s favorable weather allows for year-round crop growth.

Ghana, a nation abundant in natural resources, boasts highly skilled farmers who have been diligently carrying out their agricultural duties for generations. Although the farmers are truly experts, the labor cost is relatively low.

Crops are essential for everyone to have food and stay alive. As the world’s population grows, so does the need for food. Investing resources in crops is consistent with long-term population trends.

The government of Ghana always provides assistance and benefits to encourage more foreign investors to invest in the country. To get outside investment in agriculture, Ghana’s government offers tax breaks, rebates, and industrial parks, among other things. Scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Crop Research Institute have created new types of taro. Taro leaf blight (Phytophthora colocasiae), a disease that is killing the crop, does not readily damage these types of taro, resulting in high food production. On top of that, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) benefit is a plus.

Profitability is the main thing that every investor wants to know. Poultry farming can generate up to 30% in annual returns. Vegetables yield 40% in annual returns. In Ghana, many innovations and start-ups are growing.

Alamuddin’s Vision: CutCrop

Alamuddin, who also wants to build a startup called CutCrop, will ensure the farmers have the proper knowledge of farming. He plans to establish an organization that will not only educate farmers but also monitor their farming processes from start to finish, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge. This plan not only provides him with a lucrative opportunity to educate farmers but also allows him to profit from their learning process. It also helps unemployed people and contributes to sustainable agriculture and economic growth. The intriguing aspect is his plan to distribute shares online, which has piqued the interest of many other investors, some of whom are even offering him the opportunity to export his goods. In addition to these lucrative offers, his videos and content provide him with an expanding platform and an additional avenue for earning from the internet.

His unique plan has made it easier for others to invest in Ghana’s agro-sectors, but many other investors now have questions. Is Ghana’s agriculture only for agribusiness investors?

Which type of investor should invest

Investing in agriculture does not have to be for only agribusiness entrepreneurs; many types of investors can invest in Ghanaian agriculture. Investors who are interested in agricultural research and development can invest; besides export-oriented investors, they can also invest in the agro segment.

TechoFarm is a Ghanaian startup that focuses on innovation in farming segments. Julwriya, the founder, began this business as a health-conscious individual. Initially, at the age of 20, Julwriya discovered her extreme sensitivity to gluten, which led her to begin consuming gluten-free foods. Additionally, she began conducting research in this field. After conducting extensive research, she came up with a business idea that aims to introduce new technology, innovate, and modernize the farming industry. Her aspiration extends beyond mere innovation; her primary goal is to enable people with allergies or dietary sensitivities who are unable to consume certain foods to have proper vitamins or other essential nutrients without compromising their health. Her research and innovation have created a vast field for farmers and their customers. Through grafting, farmers are introducing themselves to new technology and new foods, and many patients benefit from their innovations.

Why should an investor invest, especially in the Taro industry

 TechoFarm also invested in the taro industry in Ghana because of its health benefits. Taro is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Taro is a beneficial source of dietary fiber, vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and minerals including potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Taro-based recipes are famous worldwide for their flexibility and unusual flavors. Taro fries, for instance, are a sophisticated side dish that can be seasoned to suit varied tastes. Taro cake, a warm and tasty treat, is commonly served with dim sum. Gluten-free, fried potato-like taro fritters are pan-fried to perfection and make a delicious snack. Hawaiian cuisine’s steamed taro with coconut milk and sugar is soft and cozy. Mashed taro, like mashed sweet potatoes, is a warm, fluffy, sweet-and-savory side dish. Simply boil, season, and mash for a tasty treat. Mirin, soy, and dashi balance the savory and sweet flavors of simmering taro, a Korean side dish that may be eaten with egg, veggies, or Korean meats. Taro’s distinctive taste and flexibility in numerous culinary traditions are making these dishes more popular worldwide.

The global demand for taro has been steadily increasing due to its nutritional value and industrial potential. Farmers worldwide are responding by expanding taro cultivation. From 2011 to 2018, global taro production increased by 11.8%. Key importers include the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. In 2021, the United States will account for 35.7% of all taro imports. Over the forecast period, we expect the global taro market to grow at a CAGR of 3.5%.

Therefore, investors who want to research and innovate new things, like TechoFarm, should consider entering the taro market by introducing efficient farming techniques and post-harvest technologies. Besides agribusiness, entrepreneurs can capitalize on the growing demand for taro products. Taro cultivation, processing, and value-added products. Export-oriented investors can benefit from the taro market by exporting fresh taro or processed products from Ghana to international markets.

Ghana grew about 1.3 million metric tonnes of taro (cocoyam) in 2022. It’s worth mentioning that the growth rate was 13% in 2021. In 2020, exports grew by an amazing 67% compared to the previous year, which was the year with the fastest growth. Ghana, with a total output of about 1.7 billion kilograms, is the fourth country in the world to grow the most taro.

There are thousands of different kinds of taro in Ghana, and each one looks different and tastes different. Ghana has grown taro in numerous places. Taro production is notable in the West, Bono, and East. Recent surveys show that taro farming has plummeted, notably in Ashanti.

Through its Crop Study Institute, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has helped Ghana’s taro industry come back to life. They invented new types of taro that solve industry problems by being resistant to Phytophthora colocasiae, a disease that had killed the crop in the past. The old varieties only produced about five tonnes per hectare, but these four new varieties give high amounts of 12 to 25 tonnes per hectare. As a way to help farmers, the CSIR is constantly spreading these varieties across the country with the help of the government.

Ghana’s crop production sector, particularly the taro market, offers enormous potential for investors. It’s got everything you need: skilled labor, government support, and innovative farming techniques. Investing in Ghana’s agriculture is a smart move, especially with initiatives like CutCrop and TechoFarm leading the charge. The future of Ghana’s agriculture looks promising. So, invest in Ghana’s crop production and join a growing, sustainable, and profitable industry.