Vegetable varieties developed through a research partnership in Ghana are showing yields of up to 20 tons per hectare, more than double the national tomato average of 7 to 10 tons per hectare. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) and the World Vegetable Centre introduced the initiative in the Volta Region's Agortime-Ziope District under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT II) Project.
The CRI Kwabena and Copia tomato varieties have been tested in field trials, where they outperformed traditional crops. The varieties also offer extended shelf life, helping reduce post-harvest losses and allowing greater flexibility for market access.
Mawuli Abusah, District Director of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of durability for smallholder farmers supplying urban centers. He noted that reduced spoilage during transportation can improve farmer incomes.
Local processor Kuatudzo Esther Deladem stated that the tomatoes' lower water content has improved processing efficiency. "We encourage more farmers to embrace these varieties so we can reduce post-harvest losses in our communities," she said.
The project links farmers to commercial seed producers, creating a supply chain that provides sustainable access to improved varieties. Farmers involved in the program reported higher demand and better financial returns compared to traditional varieties, but asked for government subsidies to make seed more affordable.
Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-CRI, confirmed plans to expand beyond demonstration plots. "By boosting productivity and creating reliable supply chains, these varieties position Ghana's vegetable sector for both food security and business growth," he said.
The initiative is designed to address challenges in Ghana's vegetable sector, including low yields, high post-harvest losses, and unstable supply chains. Wider adoption could improve reliability for processors, logistics operators, and retailers. Nutrition education elements included in the program aim to increase domestic demand for vegetables such as tomato, okra, and amaranth.
Field trials have also shown that the varieties maintain performance under different growing conditions and demonstrate resistance to common diseases. The partnership model connects research institutions, growers, and commercial operators, targeting multiple points of the value chain. Commercial seed production is included in the framework to avoid dependency on imported seed.
Market feedback so far indicates consumer acceptance of products from the new varieties, suggesting alignment between improved crop quality and demand. For processors, the developments may open opportunities for value-added production and eventual export participation as supply stabilizes.
Source: News Ghana
