Farmers demand solution to tomato post-harvest losses as bumper season nears

The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) has tasked stakeholders, including government, to adequately prepare for the incoming tomato bumper season in order to combat and reduce the age-old inevitable post-harvest losses.

The CAG and affiliate farmer groups have said insufficient investment in cold storage and transportation infrastructure must be addressed to tackle the menace for the upcoming tomato bumper season, which will span late December through April and May 2025.

CAG explained that seeming lack of priority for the above provisions further exacerbates the problem, forcing reliance on imports from countries including Burkina Faso and Morocco.

Every year, Ghana loses some US$600million in overall post-harvest losses according to CAG. Losses from tomato each year, according to the Chamber, average US$60million.

But CEO-CAG, Anthony Selorm Morrison, blamed the problem on neglected rural infrastructure, inadequate cold chain and storage facilities and limited support for research, among others.

He argued that government has not prioritised the development of essential infrastructure in rural areas, as poor road networks and lack of a reliable transportation system hinders efficient movement of tomato from farms to market centres.

The lack of storage facilities, despite the fruit’s known perishability has resulted in significant losses – a situation that forces farmers to sell their products quickly at lower prices to avoid spoilage.

With the peak harvest season just three months away, the Chamber is requesting government support for farmers to put measures in place that guard against the potential looming losses.

“The agricultural sector’s sad reality in Ghana – exemplified by the tomato industry – underscores the need for comprehensive and strategic interventions,” Mr. Morrision indicated.

He however said the country has potential to transform its tomato industry by addressing challenges of varietal suitability, infrastructure deficits, access to inputs and financing, and market development.

While government’s neglect and policy failures have exacerbated these pressing issues, stakeholders believe a concerted efforts from government, the private sector and international partners can boost the country’s potential to become self-sufficient in tomato production.

This will enable the country to emerge as a net exporter, contributing significantly to food security and economic growth.

Ghana spends a substantial amount of foreign exchange on tomato import. In 2022, the Vegetable Producers Association of Ghana estimated that the country spends approximately US$400million annually on importinmg fresh tomatoes, primarily from Burkina Faso.

This significant outflow of foreign exchange, according to the National Food Buffer Company, causes the country’s dependency on imports and underscores the urgent need to revive and boost local production.