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AKOMADAN TOMATO GLUT: FARMERS COUNT LOSSES AS PRODUCE ROTS, DCE BEGS GOVERNMENT FOR STORAGE FACTORY
Loan-burdened farmers and traders face mounting financial losses amid poor market patronage, as Offinso North DCE warns that recurring post-harvest crises threaten the future of agriculture and youth participation in the sector.
Tomato farmers and traders in Akomadan, the commercial farming hub of the Offinso North District in the Ashanti Region, are appealing for urgent government intervention as poor market patronage continues to leave large quantities of their produce unsold and vulnerable to spoilage.
The situation has plunged several farmers into serious financial difficulties, with many reportedly struggling to repay loans contracted to finance their farming activities, harvesting and transportation.
The affected farmers and traders say the lack of ready buyers is causing significant post-harvest losses, threatening their livelihoods and raising concerns about the sustainability of tomato production in the area.
Reacting to the growing concerns in an interview with DailyWatchGH.com Oheneba DankwahJupitar,the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Offinso North, Hon. Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong, disclosed that the Assembly is intensifying efforts to attract investors and establish sustainable market opportunities for local farmers.
He recalled that a similar situation confronted farmers last year, compelling the Assembly to intervene by linking them with Farm Mates, a company that helped purchase some of their produce.
Although Farm Mates has returned this year to support the farmers, the DCE admitted that relying on temporary buyers cannot provide a lasting solution to the recurring challenges.
Hon. Acheampong expressed concern that the persistent uncertainty surrounding the marketing of agricultural produce could discourage the youth from venturing into farming, despite agriculture’s potential to create employment and stimulate economic growth.
He therefore identified the establishment of a dedicated tomato storage and processing factory in Akomadan as a critical long-term intervention to address the recurring crisis.
According to him, a properly equipped storage and processing facility would help preserve harvested tomatoes, minimise post-harvest losses, create a reliable market for farmers and generate employment opportunities for residents, particularly the youth.
The DCE has consequently appealed to the government and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to prioritise the provision of a storage and processing facility for Akomadan to safeguard the investments of farmers and strengthen the district’s agricultural economy.
He believes such an intervention would move farmers away from the recurring cycle of bumper harvests followed by financial losses, while positioning Akomadan to maximise the economic benefits of its tomato production potential.
By:Oheneba Dankwah Jupitar Owusu/DailyWatchGH.com
