60-hectare tomato project targets year-round supply, price stability

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to develop 60 hectares of irrigated farmland for year-round tomato cultivation, alongside the establishment of processing facilities aimed at tackling persistent post-harvest losses in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

The initiative, unveiled at the Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso on Saturday, April 4, forms part of broader efforts to stabilise agricultural output and strengthen agro-processing value chains.

Integrated approach to production and processing

Addressing participants, President Mahama emphasised that increasing agricultural production without corresponding investment in processing capacity would continue to expose farmers to losses during periods of surplus.

“It is not enough to grow tomatoes; it is necessary to put in place processing capacity so we will not have tomato glut like other products,” President Mahama explained.

The project is expected to combine irrigation infrastructure with processing plants to ensure that excess produce is preserved and converted into value-added products, rather than wasted during peak harvest periods.

Reducing imports and stabilising supply

According to details shared by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the irrigated scheme will support continuous tomato production throughout the year, reducing Ghana’s dependence on seasonal rainfall and imports.

The move is also intended to ensure a steady supply of tomatoes to the domestic market, while protecting farmers from price volatility linked to periodic gluts.

Tackling post-harvest losses

Ghana’s agricultural sector has long grappled with post-harvest losses, particularly in perishable crops such as tomatoes, where bumper harvests often lead to sharp price declines and significant waste.

The planned investment in processing facilities is therefore expected to play a critical role in absorbing excess supply, extending shelf life and improving returns across the value chain.

The initiative aligns with government’s wider agenda to promote agro-processing and industrialisation, while enhancing food security and farmer incomes.