No tomato shortage despite Burkina Faso ban - Agric Minister assures public
Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, assured the public on Wednesday in Accra that Ghana will not face a tomato shortage despite an export ban by Burkina Faso. He said the Government was rolling out measures to boost yields, cut post-harvest losses and expand irrigation-backed production to stabilise supply.
Mr. Opoku said the immediate response centred on developing high-yielding seed varieties, scaling up irrigation schemes and linking farmers directly to ready markets to reduce waste. Collaboration with the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement would deliver improved tomato seeds capable of raising yields to at least 15 metric tonnes per hectare within months. Government was expanding irrigation under the Vegetable Development Project, including cluster farming in Ahafo and Fanteakwa, drilling 250 boreholes across the northern regions, and securing hundreds of hectares under existing irrigation systems for immediate tomato cultivation. Ghana's annual tomato demand stands at about 805,000 metric tonnes, while current production is estimated at 510,000 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of nearly 300,000 metric tonnes.
About 30 per cent of local production- approximately 153,000 metric tonnes - was lost post-harvest. 60 hectares each had been developed in Ahafo and Fanteakwa with mechanisation and water supply systems, while additional sites were being prepared for expansion. A rehabilitated irrigation scheme had made 500 hectares available for immediate tomato production after agreements were reached to connect farmers with buyers to guarantee off-take, he added. One hundred hectares had also been secured at Akumadan to further scale up production.
Quick Summary
The Agric Minister addressed the public regarding tomato supply in Ghana, involving government measures and production strategies. These efforts aim to stabilise the market- but what challenges might they face?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
Also covered by
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Business & Economy
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana commends Minister for transparent, lawful approach to Damang Mine lease expiry
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana commends the Minister's handling of the Damang Mine lease - but what's at stake?
22h ago•2 min read
From the 2019 banking crisis to the 2026 McDan Aviation takedown: Are we repeating the tragic cycle of destroying our own?
Is history repeating itself as a state agency's actions against a Ghanaian company raise concerns?
19h ago•4 min read
Adopt practical measures against climate risks-Sam Jonah urges insurance industry
Sir Sam Jonah is calling for practical measures in the insurance industry - but why now?
22h ago•4 min read
EPA sensitises 20 firms on environmental act 1124; offfenders risk up to 10 Years in jail
New regulations could mean big changes - and big consequences - for manufacturers in Ejisu.
1d ago•2 min read
