Tomato farmers in the Anloga-Avume area of the Anloga District in the Volta Region are facing heavy losses as tonnes of ripe tomatoes rot on their farms.
The farmers say the situation is mainly due to a shortage of harvesting crates and a lack of buyers for the produce.
The area has recorded a bumper harvest this season, with farmers saying the tomatoes could supply major markets in Anloga, Keta, Accra, Kumasi and other parts of the country.
Daniel Kad, a farmer and Assembly Member for the area, said the development could have provided income for farmers and employment for young people involved in loading, transporting and selling farm produce.
However, he said the shortage of crates had made it difficult for farmers to harvest their tomatoes on time. He also alleged that some available crates were being controlled by “load boys” who demand money before releasing them to farmers.
Mr Kad said many farmers had borrowed money to pay for seeds, fertiliser and labour and were now watching their produce rot because of the difficulties.
He said the problem had continued for about a week, with more tomatoes spoiling each day due to the absence of buyers, storage facilities and cold rooms.
The farmers have appealed to buyers, market women, food processors and exporters to visit Avume and purchase the tomatoes before more of the crop is lost.
They are also calling on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Anloga District Assembly, the Volta Regional Minister and the Feed Ghana Programme to intervene urgently.
The farmers said failure to act could leave many of them unable to repay loans or finance the next farming season.
They also questioned why Ghana continues to import tomatoes when local farmers have the capacity to produce large quantities.
