Government pushes to strengthen Tomato Production and reduce imports

George Batse, the Tema Metropolitan Director of Agriculture, said the interventions include the distribution of subsidised high-yield hybrid tomato seeds, technical training for farmers, and the promotion of dry-season cultivation through improved irrigation systems.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Batse explained that the measures form part of a broader strategy to address recurring tomato shortages, stabilise market prices, and strengthen national food security.

He noted that the Ministry is also encouraging farmers to adopt improved agronomic practices such as proper seed selection, nursery management, pest control, fertiliser application, and effective post-harvest handling.

According to him, the introduction of improved seed varieties is expected to significantly increase yields and improve the quality of locally produced tomatoes.

Mr. Batse added that government is supporting year-round tomato production, particularly in northern Ghana, through irrigation projects designed to reduce seasonal shortages that often drive up prices.

“The objective is to improve local production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported tomatoes,” he said.

Meanwhile, some farmers have welcomed the interventions, describing them as timely and potentially impactful.

A tomato farmer from Nanton in the Northern Region, Abdullah Alhassan, said access to improved seeds and technical support could greatly enhance productivity. He noted that programmes such as the Feed Ghana Programme and the Vegetable Development Project (Yeredua) could help strengthen the tomato value chain.

However, Saada Adams, a vegetable farmer from Kumbungu, highlighted persistent challenges, particularly inadequate irrigation infrastructure. She said the lack of functional dams and irrigation systems limits production during the dry season, when demand is highest.

Madam Adams also called for greater access to climate-resilient seed varieties and continuous farmer training to improve yields and competitiveness.

She observed that Ghanaian tomato farmers generally record lower yields compared to neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, largely due to limited access to quality inputs and modern farming techniques.

Agriculture experts say sustained investment in irrigation infrastructure, farmer training, and improved planting materials will be essential to boosting local tomato production and ensuring a consistent year-round supply.