Over 200 tomato farmers from the Berekum East and Berekum West municipalities, as well as the Dormaa East District in the Bono Region, have received training in climate-resilient vegetable production.
The initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ ability to cope with the growing effects of climate change while improving productivity and household incomes.
The training introduced participants to modern agricultural practices designed to minimise the effects of drought, extreme temperatures, pests and diseases on tomato production.
Farmers were also introduced to two improved tomato seed varieties, KOPIA and CRI Kwabena Kwabena, developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The programme further focused on climate-smart practices such as efficient water management, soil conservation, the use of drought-tolerant seed varieties, integrated pest management and appropriate fertiliser application.
Principal Research Scientist at the Crop Research Institute, Dr Michael Kwabena Osei, highlighted the importance of providing vegetable farmers with improved seed varieties to boost tomato yields.
He said strengthening farmers’ knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural practices was essential to protecting food security and improving their livelihoods as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable.
The Berekum West District Director of Agriculture, Kwasi Danso, also called for continuous training for tomato farmers.
According to him, regular capacity-building programmes could significantly improve yields and help reduce Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports from Burkina Faso.
The training forms part of broader efforts to equip vegetable farmers with practical skills and technologies to adapt to climate change while promoting sustainable and resilient tomato production.
By:Rachael Djabakie