Tomato production in four major tomato-growing districtsin Ghana: Farming practices and production constraints
2002
Adu-Dapaah, H.K., Crops Research Institute, CSIR, P. 0. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | Oppong-Konadu, E.Y., Crops Research Institute, CSIR, P. 0. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana
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 to 18 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 thatlimit 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 delive'ry system, a rewarding fresh produce pricing structure, and improving access to credit.
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