The government has been asked to create a tomato processing factory in Kamgbunli by the Tomato Farmers Association.
In Kamgbunli, tomatoes have grown to be an important crop in addition to cocoa and rubber, according to the Association. But growers don’t get to reap the full benefits of their yield since tomatoes are perishable.
During a media tour of the tomato farms at Old Kamgbunli, Mr. Shaibu Issa, Secretary of the Tomato Farmers Association’s Steering Committee, disclosed that a significant amount of the produce is lost because there isn’t a stable market.
He clarified that the growers are divided into four groups, each of which is given a set of days during the week to gather ripe tomatoes. According to Mr. Issa, these organizations might provide an abundance of tomatoes for processing if there was a nearby factory.
He also emphasized how many community members’ lives had been improved by tomato gardening, especially those of women. He did, however, draw attention to the fact that inadequate road access to farmlands makes it more difficult to get products to market hubs.
Mr. Issa made a plea to investors, the government, and charitable organizations to help the farmers and promote tomato growing in the area.
Despite agriculture being the backbone of Ghana, according to Mr. Ali Nuhu Abeka, Developmental Chief of Kamgbunli, recurring problems keep the industry from reaching its full potential.
He noted that, among other issues, the absence of markets and storage facilities causes tomatoes to be wasted in Kamgbunli.
Some farmers are thinking about giving up agriculture, which is their only source of income, according to Mr. Nuhu Abeka.
Reiterating that a processing plant is desperately needed to increase the profitability of agriculture, he pointed out that previous governments had ignored more than eighty acres of rice fields in the inland valley.
Of the 5,000 inhabitants, about 700 are actively involved in organic tomato farming.
Local tomato grower Madam Mariama Osman revealed that their ancestors tried their hand at rice planting but were not very successful.
She remarked, “We’ve turned to tomato farming because it’s profitable and supports our children’s education,” but she also mentioned how serious of a threat worms pose to tomato production.
Kamgbunli Assembly Member Dauda Musah said he and the committee are coming up with plans to get outside help.
