The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has announced plans to increase tomato production in Ghana through the introduction of a new variety and irrigation projects. Speaking at a meeting, Opoku highlighted the country’s low tomato yields, averaging 8 metric tons per hectare, compared to Burkina Faso’s 18 metric tons per hectare.
Opoku attributed the low yields to the lack of suitable varieties and inadequate irrigation infrastructure. To address this, the ministry has partnered with Waki of Lagoon to develop a high-yielding tomato variety suited to Ghana’s ecology. The new variety is expected to increase yields to 15 metric tons per hectare.
The ministry is also implementing irrigation projects to support year-round production. The Vegetable Development Project, launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo, aims to provide irrigation infrastructure, improve seed quality, and enhance marketing. The project is currently being implemented in the Ahafo Region, with plans to expand to other regions.
Opoku also highlighted the issue of post-harvest losses, estimated at 30%, and emphasized the need to reduce waste. The ministry is working to improve storage and marketing infrastructure to minimize losses.
The Tono and Vea irrigation systems have been refurbished, making available 2400 hectares of land for tomato production. The ministry is encouraging farmers to shift from rice to tomato production, with arrangements being made to provide buyers for the produce.
The initiatives aim to increase Ghana’s tomato production, reduce imports, and improve food security.
