Produce tomatoes in 90 days or step aside - FABAG fires warning at Agric Ministry
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) issued a blunt ultimatum to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Monday, demanding urgent action to resolve the country's tomato supply crisis or risk losing its relevance. FABAG said the Ministry has no justification for its existence if Ghana cannot produce tomatoes within 60 to 90 days. The Association expressed "strongest concern and disappointment" over the crisis triggered by Burkina Faso's ban on tomato exports.
FABAG described it as unacceptable that Ghana continues to depend on another country for a basic food commodity despite having vast agricultural resources. The Association stressed that tomatoes are a short-cycle crop and can be harvested within two to three months under proper conditions. FABAG noted that "with irrigation and proper seed varieties, tomatoes begin harvesting within 60 to 90 days after planting." The Association warned that reliance on imports poses a national security threat.
FABAG is calling for immediate emergency measures, including a national tomato programme, rapid seed distribution, subsidised inputs, activation of irrigation schemes, youth mobilisation, and support for processing and storage. It also wants Ghana to achieve tomato self-sufficiency within one year. FABAG concluded with a clear ultimatum to the Ministry: "If within two to three months the Ministry cannot organise tomato production under irrigation across the country, then the government must seriously consider restructuring the Ministry into a Production-Focused Agricultural Authority with clear targets and accountability."
Quick Summary
FABAG has issued a strong warning to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture regarding Ghana's tomato supply. The association is demanding immediate action to resolve the crisis- but what exactly is at stake?
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