“PRODUCTION OF TONS OF TOP-NOTCH TOMATOES IN THE PEAK OF THE DRY SEASON IS TOTALLY FEASIBLE!”

[FSRP Team of Experts Urges Adherence to New Production Protocols]

Experts on the FSRP-Norwegian Tomato scheme working at tackling seasonal shortages of tomatoes have charged Agric Extension Agents to guide tomato farmers to religiously adhere to climate-resilient best practices in order to attain high yields and highly marketable fruits all year round. The best practices are being rolled out in a series of ‘Training-of-Trainers’ exercises under the FSRP-Norwegian tomato support programme to address the yearly incidence of tomato shortages and sharply fluctuating prices around the country.

STEP-UP

A Deputy Director at the Directorate of Crop Services (DCS-MOFA) said farmers have been using NPK 15-15-15 for their production. However, there are fertilizers formulated specifically for tomatoes and other vegetables – the NPK Complex formulation that incorporates potassium, calcium, boron zinc, magnesium, in addition to other nutrient supplements to enhance crop development, flower formation and retention on the crop, as well as fruit setting and retention on the crop. Mr. Bleppony further advised that “due to the harsh weather conditions occasioned by climate change, it is very critical to support the tomato plant to keep the flower and fruit on the crop. Moreover, the FSRP-Norwegian Tomato programme is promoting the use of F1 hybrid semi-determinate seeds, which have very high yielding potential through multiple flowering cycles.” 

CLOSE-MARKING

Ms. Esther Agyekum, also a Deputy Director at Directorate of Crop Services, DCS-MoFA affirmed that keen crop monitoring for pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies, as well as keeping accurate records through all stages - planting, irrigation, fertilisation, and pest management with record-keeping tools like farm diaries and mobile apps is very critical.

WATER WORKS

Stressing on the need for water vigilance, Ms. Agyekum advised that it is essential to avoid both “drought stress” and “water logging”, since the quantity of water the tomato plant needs depends on its variety, the soil, the season, the weather and the growth stage. Water, she said, easily evaporates from soil, especially while the crop is young. “Using drip irrigation under mulch can avoid this kind of water loss because it brings water and nutrients to the root zone. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, drip irrigation is the best way to provide water”. Weeds also take up water and release it into the air. So, weed control saves water. 

ON FRIENDLY GROUND

Dr Emmanuel Dugan, of the Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) indicated that tomato requires loamy soils – being sandy loam, silt loam or clay loam. In the absence of that, and given the nature of soil in the production clusters, it is essential to amend the soils with organic manure or leguminous green manure, which add, not only organic matter to the soil, but also, nitrogen fixing potential, good enough to improve and retain the nutrient levels and water, needed for the health of the fruit.

He said, tomatoes are heavy feeders hence require high and balanced nutrient levels which are obtained in potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and calcium and magnesium fertilizers. Additionally, the pH range must be watched, as our soils are generally very acidic. He said, tomato does well in a pH range of 6.0 – 7.2. If this falls below 5, the tomato can’t utilize the nutrients, thereby wasting any applied fertilizer - resulting in low yields. It is therefore recommended to apply lime or biochar to increase the soil Ph to fall within a range that is suitable for tomato. 

He added that smoke is a huge deterrent to tomato health as the carbon in the smoke mixes with rainwater to make the soil acidic. Therefore, smoking tobacco or burning near any tomato farming area is strictly forbidden.

‘INSECT-INSIDE!’

Mr.

Prince, [16 Dec 2024 at 11:34:14]:

Robert Quarshie, of the Plant Protection & Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD-MOFA) maintained that chemicals or insecticides must be used as a very last resort when it comes to pest control. Tomato, he said, is a succulent crop, hence is a target for attack by many pests. He advised therefore that greater attention must be devoted to preventive rather than curative measures. Vigilant monitoring and scouting for pests must be exercised consistently and done during early mornings. “It is critical to maintain high levels of sanitation within at least one meter radius to the main field, since pests tend to hide in bushes and weeds. In the same vein, preventive pesticides are to be the next barrier line against pests”. And in line with food safety protocols, Mr. Quarshie directs that preventive biological pesticides (like Neem oil, which has an active ingredient, Azadiractine) are to be the first option. Sticky traps which attract and trap pests are also effective. Chemical treatments or insecticides, he said, may be introduced when the damage has exceeded acceptable economic threshold levels. He announced that the FSRP-Norwegian programme is advocating the use of tomato seeds that are resilient to pests and diseases. 

FINISH HARD!

Sharing experiences gained during the exercise, Mr. Cletus Tanga, a tomato farmer in the Talensi District said moisture, water and irrigation are important in the growth cycle of the tomato and must be managed well, especially during the dry season, to avoid “Blossom End Rot” (an irreversible condition that affects water-starved tomatoes). However, he cautioned that watering should be reduced after fruit maturity and towards the ripening stage to improve the quality of tomatoes. “Hard or firm tomatoes which have a longer shelf life are preferred by the market women. Watery and unattractive ones are always rejected!”.  

The attendants would in-turn pass on the skills and knowledge acquired to farmer groups under their supervision, with a view to tackling the seasonal tomato shortage situation over a calculated period.

The activity forms part of interventions by the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) - under the supervision of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, to address the yearly incidence of tomato shortages and fluctuating prices around the country. The scheme is being carried out through Norwegian support and World Bank coordination, to revamp the Ghanaian tomato industry for year-round availability of the produce, by way of dry season production.

[Bolga; December 2024]