One of FSRP’s key activities is the production of Certified Seeds, with an objective to produce varieties that are well adapted to the hot and humid conditions of Ghana’s agro-ecological zones, competitively priced and affordable to the pockets of the average small-holder tomato farmer in Ghana. Some interventions in this direction have involved: (i) conducting adaptive trials in Northern zone in order to evaluate new tomato hybrid varieties (“ante dede”, “tomato queen” and “legon tomato”) as well as OPVs (“CRI-Kwabena Kwabena” and “KOPIA Tomato”);
(ii) testing in different zones within the country.
(iii) multiplying locally released Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs and hybrid varieties following successful adaptive trials);
(iv) conducting sensitization, training, and creating awareness of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), input dealers, aggregators and marketers on improved characteristics of new varieties.
For CSIR, FSRP has renovated two Screen Houses for the production of breeder seed for two varieties: CRI_Kwabena Kwabena and KOPIA Tomato. FSRP also dug automated boreholes at the seeds project site to ensure regular on-site water and provided Drip Irrigation facilities for foundation seed production in the open fields; and solar panelling as an uninterrupted energy source to power the drip irrigation system. FSRP further fenced the CSIR tomato fields where the seeds are being produced.
Agri Commercial Services Ltd (CSL), the only licensed certified vegetable seed producer for tomatoes in Ghana - having played an integral role in the development/evaluation and release of locally produced OPV and hybrid varieties, was selected to produce certified seeds for the locally released Hybrid and Open Pollinated Tomato varieties. FSRP provided a 20hp electric pump; upgraded its Drip Irrigation system for 2 hectares; funded a 5,000sq.mt net house for hybrid seed production. FSRP also provided seed extraction equipment to process by-product after extraction to produce 100% no additive tomato pulp and crushed tomato.
FSRP further provided cash funding to produce 184 kg of certified seeds of 3 of the approved certified seeds namely CRI-KWABENA KWABENA, CRI-KOPIA TOMATO and ANTE DEDE.
For news and social media posts on this intervention, visit:
1. FSRP TOMATO SEEDS PRODUCTION PROGRAMME TAKES STRIDES
: https://fsrp.org.gh/blog/FSRP-TOMATO-SEEDS-PRODUCTION-PROGRAMME-TAKES-STRIDES
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