Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has assured the public that Ghana will not experience a tomato shortage despite the recent export ban by Burkina Faso.
He said the government is implementing targeted measures to boost local production, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand irrigation to stabilise supply across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the Minister explained that the immediate response focuses on developing high-yielding seed varieties, scaling up irrigation schemes, and linking farmers directly to markets to minimise waste.
Mr Opoku revealed that collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement will result in improved tomato seed varieties capable of increasing yields to at least 15 metric tonnes per hectare within months.
He further disclosed that about 30 per cent of local tomato production—approximately 153,000 metric tonnes—is lost after harvest. According to him, reducing these losses could significantly bridge the supply gap.
“It is not about increasing the size of the land under cultivation. It is about developing the right variety and creating the conditions to maximise output,” he stated.
Under the Vegetable Development Project, farmers are being supported with improved seeds, fertilisers, and technical guidance, alongside irrigation infrastructure to enable year-round production.
The Minister noted that 60 hectares each have been developed in Ahafo and Fanteakwa, complete with mechanisation and water supply systems, while additional sites are being prepared for expansion.
He added that a rehabilitated irrigation scheme has made 500 hectares available for immediate tomato production, supported by agreements that link farmers directly to buyers to guarantee off-take.
An additional 100 hectares has also been secured at Akumadan to further scale up production.
Mr Opoku emphasised that these interventions—focused on improving productivity, reducing waste, and strengthening market systems—will stabilise tomato supply and enhance food security in the long term.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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