Tomato sellers at the Nana Bosoma Central Market in the Sunyani Municipality have welcomed government’s decision to construct irrigation facilities aimed at boosting year-round tomato production across the country.

The endorsement follows an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama to roll out a 60-hectare irrigation project designed to ensure a steady supply of tomatoes and reduce reliance on imports.

Speaking to Sompa FM, some traders described the initiative as timely, noting that inconsistent supply has long affected their business and contributed to price instability.

Madam Brago Akosombo, a tomato seller at the market, praised the move but urged government to go a step further by establishing tomato processing factories.

“We are happy about the irrigation project, but we are also appealing to the government to add processing factories to help preserve the tomatoes and reduce losses,” she said.

Another trader, Ama Serwaa, said the initiative would significantly reduce the need for traders to travel outside Ghana, particularly to neighboring countries, in search of tomatoes.

“The government’s plan to provide land for tomato farming is very good. At least we will not have to travel all the way to Burkina Faso to import tomatoes anymore,” she noted.

They added that the move would help tomato growers expand their farms, and also help prevent tragic incidents associated with cross-border tomato trade and stabilize prices for both sellers and consumers.

The irrigation project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen local agricultural production, improve food security, and shield the market from external shocks.

Sompaonline.com/Lydia Abawana