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By Michael Foli Jackidy

Agortime-Ziope (V/R), Sept 19, GNA – Farmers in the Agortime-Ziope District within the Volta Region have been presented with innovative high-productivity vegetable types as part of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) II Vegetable Compact Initiative.

The initiative was led by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) in partnership with the World Vegetable Centre.

Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-CRI, mentioned that strains like CRI Kwabena Kwabena and KOPIA tomatoes are early-bearing, resistant to blight, and can yield as much as 20 tons per hectare, in contrast to the local average of 7–10 tons.

He stated that the new seeds are appropriate for both fresh markets and processing, and encouraged farmers to use them to enhance nutrition and decrease dependence on medications.

We aim to move past field trials. Currently, farmers are sampling meals made from these varieties to assess fragrance, flavor, and general appeal.

After they adopt them, we will connect them with commercial seed suppliers to ensure widespread availability,” he said to the Ghana News Agency during a Nutritional Food Campaign and Sensory Test in Agortime-Ziope.

Attendees at the gathering tasted dishes prepared using the enhanced tomato, okra, and amaranth types, attended workshops on optimal farming techniques, and were given seeds for testing on their own farms.

Mr. Alfred Eklu Odikro, the District Chief Executive of Agortime-Ziope, praised the CSIR and its collaborators for their assistance and encouraged them to maintain ongoing training initiatives.

“We urge our farmers to adopt these teachings in order to gain the most from them,” he further stated.

Mr. Mawuli Abusah, the District Director of Agriculture, mentioned that the enhanced seeds have increased production by twice the amount of traditional types, provide a longer storage period, and decrease losses after harvest, leading to greater earnings for farmers.

He also highlighted the health advantages, particularly for expectant mothers and young children.

Mr. Paul Alhassan Zaato, a Research Associate at the World Vegetable Centre, stated that the Centre’s mission is to ensure that research innovations under TAAT directly benefit smallholder farmers, with CSIR serving as its primary implementation partner in Ghana.

Mr. Tornu Bright, a farmer who provided testimony about the new varieties’ performance, stated, “CRI Kwabena Kwabena tomatoes produce significantly more than our traditional seeds and can remain fresh for up to two weeks without spoiling.”

Nevertheless, the seeds are costly, hence our request for government financial support.

Ms. Kuatudzo Esther Deladem, a tomato processor, commended the new varieties for their reduced moisture levels, which she claimed have greatly improved her production efficiency.

“We urge more farmers to use these seeds in order to assist in minimizing crop losses after harvest within our communities,” she stated.

The program also aimed to foster more robust supply chains and promote the regular intake of vegetables as part of initiatives to enhance family nutrition and boost local economies.

GNA

Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah