Factory visits and participatory trials on the production of high quality cassava flour (HQCF), rice malts and glucose syrups

Abstract

A search was conducted to locate interested local processing companies that could take up the raw or semi-processed cassava products to turn them out to finished industrial goods. Four companies were identified and visited. Fifteen (15) technical visits were made in all to the four industries. Discussions were held with management of the companies as well as inspection of existing processing equipments and factory premises during the visits. Technical advice and suggestions for modifying some unit operations and equipment was provided after discussions. Four trials for glucose syrup production and one trial for rice malt production were run after the modifications were carried out. Some of the trials were characterised with problems but the FRI team and management of the companies provided technical advice to solve them. One company, Afrimart Global Enterprises, has started producing rice malt and glucose syrup in commercial quantity. Amassa Agro Foods has increased its production of High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF). Fruit and flavours is preparing to start production of glucose syrup in 2004. Feed and Flour Ghana Ltd is yet to put the full complement of its equipment in order but has carried out two test productions