Oil palm is indigenous to Ghana and West Africa with wild Elaeis guineensis palms growing in groves scattered throughout the tropical belt of the region. Traditionally, the palm oil used in local households was extracted from this wild variety.
Ease of access to the wild Elaeis guineensis and the wider gene pool of palms in Africa has provided Ghana Sumatra unique breeding opportunities. For example, their DxP seeds’ parents are selected specifically for their adaptation to lower rainfall conditions and their resistance to Fusarium wilt whilst producing high yielding fresh fruit bunches.
The goal of Ghana Sumatra is the production and supply of the highest quality germinated oil palm seeds for plantations and small holders in Africa, the Americas and Asia. In a recent conversation with Thomas Dakogre, General Manager, Ghana Sumatra, we were proud to discover how our pollination control products support them to achieve their goals:
“At Ghana Sumatra we have used PBS International Pollination control bags for over a decade for our Oil palm breeding and seed production programs. Seed purity is essential to our business. We test every bag for holes before it is used, and PBS international bags have tested 100% flawless. The bags are water and insect proof meaning the seeds produced are of the highest quality.’’
Operational excellence is key for Ghana Sumatra. Being an active member of the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has enabled them to partner with other organisations in their sustainability, social, safety and environmental goals. By using PBS International bags, they can ensure that their germinated oil palm seeds are produced reliably, of the highest purity and have excellent genetic potential – giving their customers the best possible start to sustained high and profitable yields of palm oil.
Find out more about Ghana Sumatra: https://www.ghanasumatra.com.gh/projects.html#
Discover Pbs International’s Oil Palm Research and pollination control products: https://www.pbsinternational.com/key-sectors/oil-palm/
