In a bid to stabilise Ghana’s domestic tomato supply, Maphlix Farms at Dawhenya has announced plans to produce 3,000 tonnes of tomatoes for the local market by the end of the year.
The initiative comes as the country grapples with production shortfalls and limited imports from neighbouring countries. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture revealed that the project is part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported tomatoes and address seasonal supply gaps.
During a working visit to the farm, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, evaluated current production activities and discussed strategies to scale up output. The farm employs a combination of greenhouse and open-field systems, with harvesting conducted every three days to ensure consistent supply.
The Ministry highlighted collaborations with research institutions, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, to improve seed quality and develop climate-resilient tomato varieties. These interventions aim to enhance yields, extend shelf-life, and reassure traders and consumers about the quality of local produce.
Officials stressed that private sector involvement, exemplified by Maphlix Farms, is critical to closing the tomato supply gap and supporting value addition through processing initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses.
The Ministry encouraged traders and consumers to remain patient as local production efforts ramp up, emphasising that these measures would contribute to price stability and long-term self-sufficiency in tomato supply.
