The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GHiH) has called on the government to establish a dedicated fund to support the development and release of locally adaptable tomato varieties. These varieties should be high-yielding, pest-resistant, and tolerant to heat. According to the Institute, this initiative is critical to boosting domestic production and reducing Ghana's dependence on imported tomatoes. The GHiH made this appeal through a communique read by its President, Dr. Mohammed Mujitaba Dawuda.
As an interim measure, the GHiH urged the government to subsidize hybrid-pollinated tomato varieties recommended by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). This would make improved planting materials more affordable and accessible to farmers. The Institute also expressed its readiness to collaborate with MoFA and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Together, they would develop and deliver tailored training programs for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) and other relevant technical officers.
The training programs aim to equip officers with technologies and practical knowledge to improve tomato production, post-harvest handling, and other areas of the value chain. This knowledge would then be passed on to farmers across the country. The GHiH's initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by tomato farmers in Ghana. The country's dependence on imported tomatoes is a significant concern, and the Institute believes that developing local solutions is crucial.
Dr. Mohammed Mujitaba Dawuda also called for increased investment in greenhouse tomato production. This would complement output from open-field cultivation, particularly during the dry season. The Institute believes that greenhouse production would help increase yields and improve the quality of tomatoes. This, in turn, would reduce the country's reliance on imported tomatoes.
The GHiH further urged the government to deepen its collaboration with the private sector. This would guarantee markets and good prices for tomato farmers. The Institute emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the government and the private sector. This partnership would ensure that tomato farmers receive fair prices for their produce, maintaining their interest in sustainable production.
The Institute also called for the rehabilitation and operationalization of existing tomato processing factories. The Pwalugu and Wenchi tomato factories are examples of facilities that could be revived. This would expand the market for locally produced tomatoes and reduce Ghana's dependence on imported processed tomato products. Reviving these factories would also create more employment opportunities for the youth along the tomato value chain.
The GHiH commended the government for its interventions under the Feed Ghana Programme. The Institute particularly appreciated policies aimed at increasing tomato production and reducing the country's dependence on imported fresh and processed tomatoes. The 26th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the GHiH was held at Fiapre, near Sunyani in the Bono Region. The conference's theme was 'Building a Resilient Tomato Value Chain in Ghana: Need for Stronger Stakeholder Engagement.'
Key points
- The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists urges the government to fund locally adaptable tomato varieties.
- The Institute recommends subsidizing hybrid-pollinated tomato varieties to make them more affordable for farmers.
- Reviving tomato processing factories could create employment opportunities and expand the market for locally produced tomatoes.
