Ghana is intensifying efforts to address a significant shortfall in tomato production, estimated at around 300,000 tonnes annually, as the government and private sector partners roll out targeted measures to boost yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand vegetable cultivation nationwide.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture notes that domestic tomato production continues to fall short of national demand, largely due to low productivity per hectare compared with neighbouring Burkina Faso, a leading producer in the sub-region.
To tackle the deficit, MoFA has partnered with agribusiness firm Waki to develop a high-yield tomato variety. The initiative aims to boost productivity while addressing post-harvest losses, which currently account for nearly 30 percent of total output. Officials project that the intervention could increase national tomato production by approximately 153,000 tonnes once fully implemented.
Expansion of Vegetable Development Projects
As part of broader efforts to strengthen the vegetable sector, the government has launched a vegetable development project in the Ahafo Region, where about 60 hectares of farmland are currently under cultivation with irrigation support. Farmers participating in the project receive improved seeds, fertilizers, and access to ready markets, boosting productivity and income stability.
The project is expected to expand significantly in the coming months, with plans to drill 250 boreholes to support irrigation and open an additional 500 hectares for tomato cultivation. Nationwide distribution of agricultural inputs is also ongoing, including 13 tonnes of seeds, 69,000 tonnes of fertilizer, and over 883,000 litres of plant protection products.
Scaling Up Community Farming
The tomato initiative is part of a broader community farming programme that has grown rapidly—from an initial 1,000 hectares to roughly 40,000 hectares nationwide. The expansion reflects growing farmer confidence and participation.
To strengthen the value chain, a processing centre is being established in partnership with MoFA. The facility will help reduce post-harvest losses and add value to produce through processing and storage, ensuring that farmers can maximize their returns.
New Tomato Product to Stabilize Supply
A private agribusiness company involved in the programme has also begun producing tomato purée branded “Puri,” a longer-lasting product designed to stabilize supply during periods of scarcity. Harvesting from a 200-acre farm is expected to commence in the coming days, with the produce earmarked for processing and distribution to ease market shortages.
Strengthening Food Security and Reducing Imports
Authorities say the combined initiatives are aimed at boosting Ghana’s vegetable value chain, increasing farmer incomes, and reducing reliance on imported tomato products.
With continued investment and collaboration between government and the private sector, officials remain confident that Ghana can close the tomato production gap, enhance food security, and promote sustainable growth in the country’s agribusiness sector.
Story by: Emmanuel Asiedu (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
