Tomato production in four major Tomato-growing districts in Ghana: Farming practices and production constraints

English

The cultivation of tomatoes is a major farming activity in the savanna and forest-savanna transitional zones in Ghana. This paper investigates the current production practices and constraints in four major production areas in Ghana. Average yields are very low, ranging from 6 t018 t/ha. The average area of production per farmer is less than 2.0 ha per year. A wide range of varieties, mainly of foreign origin, are grown and producers seldom acquire seed from approved seed sources. Factors contributing to the low yields are poor adaptation of most of the introduced varieties, poor seed delivery system, sub-optimal application of irrigation water when necessary, sub-optimal and/or untimely application of inputs such as fertilizers, and inadequate Control of pests and diseases. High cost of production, coupled with difficulty in obtaining credit, are some of the factors that limit the scale and efficiency of production. Overall' level Of production could be increased through the following measures: removal of •genetic limitations through provision of good quality seed, rationalizing the seed delivêry system, a rewarding fresh produce pricing structure, and improving access to credit.

Adu-Dapaah, H. K.; Oppong-Konadu, E. Y.