Maphlix Trust Ghana, operators of Maphlix Farms, is set to supply 3,000 tonnes of tomatoes to the Ghanaian market as part of efforts to strengthen local production and enhance food security.
This comes at a very opportune time to cushion the country following the ban on tomato exportation imposed by Burkina Faso.
Tour of facility
This came to light when the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, toured Maphlix Farms, located at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region, to assess ongoing operations and interact with management and technical staff.
The visit formed part of the ministry’s broader engagement with key private sector players to boost agricultural productivity and reduce the country’s reliance on imported food commodities.
During the tour, the minister inspected the farm’s irrigation systems, nursery units, and open-field cultivation areas.
He expressed satisfaction with the effective utilisation of the facility’s infrastructure and commended the management for their commitment to modern, technology-driven agriculture.
High-quality seeds
Mr Opoku particularly highlighted the farm’s investment in the production of high-quality tomato seeds, describing it as a critical intervention to improve yields and address long-standing challenges in the tomato value chain.
“The brief we have received from those managing the centre indicates that, by the end of the year, they are able to produce 3,000 tonnes and again, the open field activities they are engaged in would increase the output that they envisage from this site.
“So, looking at what they are doing, especially the open field activities, we think that things are underway to ensure sufficient production of tomatoes to feed the Ghanaian people,” Mr Opoku stated.
Harvesting activities have already commenced at Maphlix Farms, with produce being harvested at three-day intervals. This consistent harvesting cycle is expected to ensure a steady supply of fresh tomatoes to the Ghanaian market, to curtail hikes in prices while meeting growing consumer demands.
The minister further noted that the expansion of both greenhouse and open-field production systems at the farm presented a strong model for year-round tomato cultivation, which was essential in stabilising supply and prices across seasons.
Shelf-life
Addressing concerns raised by tomato traders regarding the quality and shelf-life of locally produced tomatoes, the minister indicated that the ministry was actively collaborating with research institutions, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to develop improved, climate-resilient seed varieties suited to Ghana’s agro-ecological conditions.
Mr Opoku expressed hope that “these efforts are expected to enhance the quality, durability, and market competitiveness of Ghanaian tomatoes.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh