Tomatoes Rot As Akomadan Farmers Struggle To Find Buyers

Tomato farmers in Akomadan in the Offinso North District of the Ashanti Region have made a passionate appeal to traders and prospective buyers to come to their aid.

According to the farmers, there is an abundance of tomatoes currently on the market, with a box of locally produced tomatoes selling at GH¢250 and Burkina Faso tomatoes at GH¢400.

Despite the reduction in prices, farmers say they are struggling to get buyers, a situation that is causing anxiety over possible post-harvest losses.

They explained that tomato is highly perishable and any delay in selling the produce could lead to spoilage, making it difficult for them to recoup their investments in cultivation, harvesting and transportation.

The farmers are therefore calling on market women, wholesalers, retailers, food vendors, tomato processing companies and other buyers across the country to come to Akomadan to purchase the produce.

They noted that increased patronage will help reduce losses, sustain their livelihoods and encourage continuous investment in local tomato farming.

The situation, they said, underscores the need for stronger market linkages, improved storage facilities and investment in tomato processing factories to address recurring challenges of glut and limited market access.

For now, the farmers say Akomadan has enough tomatoes, but urgently needs buyers to prevent their harvest from going to waste.