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They said addressing these challenges could significantly increase domestic production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported tomatoes.
Over 85% of Tomato Seed Is Commercial Hybrid Seed
Ghana’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs is also a concern for the tomato industry.
Dr Osei said more than 85% of tomato seeds planted in Ghana are commercial hybrid varieties, a situation that increases production costs and could expose farmers to external supply and price pressures.
“A country that imports its seed will always import its food,” he said.
Underused Irrigation Infrastructure
The CSIR researchers also identified the underutilisation of existing irrigation infrastructure as a major obstacle to year-round tomato production.
Ghana has 22 public irrigation schemes covering approximately 15,000 hectares, but only about 9,000 hectares are currently being utilised.
According to the researchers, increasing the use of these irrigation schemes could allow farmers to produce more tomatoes during the dry season and help narrow the seasonal supply gap.
Ghana’s Ginger Imports Exceed 99% of Demand
The situation in the ginger sector is even more concerning.
Dr Osei said Ghana’s annual ginger demand increased from about 18,000 tonnes in 2020 to between 30,000 and 32,000 tonnes in 2025.
However, domestic production suffered a major setback following an outbreak of bacterial wilt in 2022, which severely affected ginger farms and contributed to a sharp decline in local output.
As a result, more than 99% of Ghana’s ginger requirement is now supplied through imports, according to the CSIR researchers.
Ghana currently spends approximately US$500,000 annually on imported ginger, mainly sourced from China, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
Researchers said restoring domestic ginger production would require effective disease management, access to healthy planting materials and stronger support for farmers.
CSIR Interventions Target Tomato and Ginger Production
The CSIR says research, technology and innovation can play an important role in reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported tomatoes and ginger.
For tomatoes, researchers believe that increasing yields, improving access to quality seeds and fully utilising irrigation infrastructure could significantly narrow the production gap.
For ginger, controlling bacterial wilt and ensuring farmers have access to healthy planting materials will be critical to rebuilding domestic production.
The figures presented by the researchers point to significant economic opportunities if Ghana can expand local production of the two crops.
Reducing the US$168 million annual tomato import bill and the country’s heavy reliance on imported ginger could ease pressure on foreign exchange while creating new opportunities for farmers, processors and businesses across the agricultural value chain.
Source:Omanghana.com
