UPPER EAST TOMATO FARMERS CRY FOR IMPROVED SEEDS
UPPER EAST TOMATO FARMERS CRY FOR IMPROVED SEEDS December 07, 2011
BY P. ATOGEWE WEDAM
ISD-BOLGATANGA MUNICIPAL
The Tomato Producers Association of Nyariga [TOPAN] in the Upper East Region has made a passionate appeal to government to as a matter of urgency introduce a national seed strategy that provides farmers with a reliable source of appropriate seeds and technical support in order for them to be able to cultivate the crop all year round.
An advocate for TOPAN, Honurable John Akaribo made the call on behalf of the tomato farmers at press conference in Bolgatanga to present the results of a research carried out by the association in the Pwalugu, Tono and Vea Irrigation project areas in the Upper East. Meanwhile, research institutions and Tomato fields in Akumadan and Tuoboudom in the Brong-Ahafo region were also covered under the research. The Business Advocacy Fund [BUSAC FUND] sponsored both the research and the press conference.
Mr. Akaribo disclosed that the research titled, “The Absence of Improved Tomato Variety and its Impact on Tomato Farming”, found out that tomato production is a male dominated business but retailing of the crop is dominated by females. The research also showed that the future of tomato farming is bright as 44 per cent of respondents between the ages of 20 and 40 years expressed interest in the trade.
The research findings also held that the lack of improved seeds is the most challenging factor in tomato production in both the Upper East and Brong-Ahafo regions followed by marketing and land inaccessibility. It further revealed that pectomech and “no name” were the widely used varieties by tomato farmers in Upper East while their counterparts in Brong-Ahafo mostly used Power Rano and Power raster. However, the Power Rano variety which used to be highly disease resistant could not withstand disease in recent times as indicated by a chief farmer in Tuobuodom.
TOPAN recommended that a strong national tomato farmers association be formed to champion the course of tomato issues while non-governmental organizations such as the peasant farmers association of Ghana and the Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition should support farmers’ call for improved tomato seeds. It also recommended that research institutions should double up their efforts at getting improved varieties.
The Upper East Regional Consultant to the BUSAC Fund, Mr. Richard Ananga said BUSAC is always has been following the challenges faced by tomato farmers in the region and so when the leadership of TOPAN requested for assistance, an assessment was done and the needed help extended. He urged the media to give the needed publicity to the farmers’ demands for improved seeds as this is the only way they can improve their livelihood as farmers.
Mr. Ananga who revealed that the research was carried out from July to September 2011 also expressed joy at the timely publication of the research findings. He hoped the authorities in the food and agricultural sectors will respond to the needs of the farmers with the urgency it deserves.
BY P. ATOGEWE WEDAM
ISD-BOLGATANGA MUNICIPAL
The Tomato Producers Association of Nyariga [TOPAN] in the Upper East Region has made a passionate appeal to government to as a matter of urgency introduce a national seed strategy that provides farmers with a reliable source of appropriate seeds and technical support in order for them to be able to cultivate the crop all year round.
An advocate for TOPAN, Honurable John Akaribo made the call on behalf of the tomato farmers at press conference in Bolgatanga to present the results of a research carried out by the association in the Pwalugu, Tono and Vea Irrigation project areas in the Upper East. Meanwhile, research institutions and Tomato fields in Akumadan and Tuoboudom in the Brong-Ahafo region were also covered under the research. The Business Advocacy Fund [BUSAC FUND] sponsored both the research and the press conference.
Mr. Akaribo disclosed that the research titled, “The Absence of Improved Tomato Variety and its Impact on Tomato Farming”, found out that tomato production is a male dominated business but retailing of the crop is dominated by females. The research also showed that the future of tomato farming is bright as 44 per cent of respondents between the ages of 20 and 40 years expressed interest in the trade.
The research findings also held that the lack of improved seeds is the most challenging factor in tomato production in both the Upper East and Brong-Ahafo regions followed by marketing and land inaccessibility. It further revealed that pectomech and “no name” were the widely used varieties by tomato farmers in Upper East while their counterparts in Brong-Ahafo mostly used Power Rano and Power raster. However, the Power Rano variety which used to be highly disease resistant could not withstand disease in recent times as indicated by a chief farmer in Tuobuodom.
TOPAN recommended that a strong national tomato farmers association be formed to champion the course of tomato issues while non-governmental organizations such as the peasant farmers association of Ghana and the Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition should support farmers’ call for improved tomato seeds. It also recommended that research institutions should double up their efforts at getting improved varieties.
The Upper East Regional Consultant to the BUSAC Fund, Mr. Richard Ananga said BUSAC is always has been following the challenges faced by tomato farmers in the region and so when the leadership of TOPAN requested for assistance, an assessment was done and the needed help extended. He urged the media to give the needed publicity to the farmers’ demands for improved seeds as this is the only way they can improve their livelihood as farmers.
Mr. Ananga who revealed that the research was carried out from July to September 2011 also expressed joy at the timely publication of the research findings. He hoped the authorities in the food and agricultural sectors will respond to the needs of the farmers with the urgency it deserves.
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