The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has forecasted that Ghana is poised to experience an unprecedented surplus of tomatoes within the next three to four months, as the government amplifies its efforts to bolster local production and diminish the country’s reliance on imported tomatoes.
In his appearance before the Parliament’s Committee on Assurances on Thursday, July 9, the Minister elucidated that the interventions being implemented under the government’s comprehensive agricultural programme are anticipated to substantially augment tomato production nationwide, thereby yielding a significant increase in the overall output of tomatoes.
According to the Minister, the government is proactively establishing measures to manage the anticipated surplus and mitigate post-harvest losses, ensuring that the increased production does not go to waste.
Mr. Opoku revealed that an off-take system is being meticulously established to guarantee a ready and stable market for tomato farmers, while concurrent discussions are underway with prominent tomato processing companies to procure excess produce, thereby providing a viable outlet for the anticipated surplus.
“We have instituted a plethora of measures, and within the next three to four months, the tangible results will be evident for everyone to witness. This is another significant assurance. We are anticipating a glut of tomatoes in the forthcoming months and are actively exploring strategies to engage processors to off-take from our farmers,” he remarked.
The Minister also divulged that the government is investing heavily in the installation of solar-powered boreholes across the country, aimed at supporting year-round irrigation and enabling farmers to cultivate tomatoes beyond the traditional growing season, thereby ensuring a consistent supply of tomatoes throughout the year.
“We are undertaking the installation of numerous solar-powered boreholes across the country,” he added, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing farmers with the necessary infrastructure to enhance their productivity.
Mr. Opoku expressed unwavering confidence that the multifaceted interventions would significantly strengthen domestic tomato production, expand market opportunities for farmers, and gradually reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported tomatoes, ultimately contributing to the country’s food security and economic development.
He emphasized that these measures form an integral part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, increase agricultural productivity, and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers across the country, thereby ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for Ghana.
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