The Chairman of the Tomatoes Importers Association, Eric Osei Tuffuor, is calling on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and its partners to support the expansion of a new tomato variety being cultivated in the Upper East Region.
Although he did not name the specific variety, Mr. Tuffuor said some farmers, with limited support, have been able to produce tomatoes that are in high demand, easier to transport, and have lower water content compared to previously cultivated varieties.
He disclosed that traders sourced about three full truckloads of tomatoes directly from farmers in the Upper East Region last year, indicating that with the right investment, the region could help meet national demand—especially as Burkina Faso’s export ban takes effect.
Mr. Tuffuor maintained that the quality of the tomatoes produced was high, noting that the main constraint to expanding production is inadequate irrigation infrastructure.
“The problem now does not lie in the variety; it lies in the irrigation. During the lean season, December up to May,” he said.
He added that irrigation challenges are not limited to the Upper East Region. According to him, farmers in areas such as Dormaa Ahenkro and other major tomato-producing communities are willing to farm throughout the year but are constrained by lack of water systems.
Mr. Tuffuor therefore urged the government to prioritise investment in irrigation facilities to enable year-round tomato production and reduce dependence on imports.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
