Farmers in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region have been introduced to a new generation of high-yielding, disease-tolerant vegetable varieties under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) II Vegetable Compact Project.
The initiative, led by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) in partnership with the World Vegetable Centre, aims to increase food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen livelihoods in Ghana’s vegetable-growing communities.
Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-CRI, said the newly released varieties, such as CRI Kwabena Kwabena and KOPIA tomatoes are early-maturing, blight-tolerant, and capable of producing up to 20 tons per hectare, compared to the local average of 7–10 tons.
“These varieties are suitable for both fresh markets and processing. Beyond increasing yields, they can reduce dependence on medicines by improving nutrition,” he explained.
To boost farmer confidence, CSIR organised a Nutritional Food Campaign and Sensory Test in Agortime-Ziope, where participants sampled dishes prepared with the new tomato, okra, and amaranth varieties.
“We want farmers to judge for themselves and taste, aroma, and overall quality. Once they accept them, we will connect them to commercial seed producers for large-scale access,” Dr. Osei added.
Farmers also received training on best agronomic practices and were supplied with starter seeds for on-farm trials.
Mr. Alfred Eklu Odikro, District Chief Executive of Agortime-Ziope, commended CSIR and its partners, urging continuous training to ensure sustainability. “We encourage our farmers to embrace these innovations to maximize the benefits,” he said.
Mr. Mawuli Abusah, District Director of Agriculture, highlighted the varieties’ superior performance, noting that they double yields, extend shelf life, and reduce post-harvest losses leading directly to higher incomes.
He also stressed their nutritional benefits for vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children.
From the farmer perspective, Mr. Tornu Bright, who has already tested the new seeds, said, “CRI Kwabena Kwabena tomatoes yield far more than our local seeds and can last up to two weeks without rotting. The challenge, however, is that the seeds are expensive, we appeal to government for subsidies.”
Processors are also seeing benefits. Ms. Kuatudzo Esther Deladem, a tomato processor, praised the improved varieties for their lower water content, which she said had boosted her production efficiency and reduced waste.
Mr. Paul Alhassan Zaato, Research Associate at the World Vegetable Centre, reaffirmed the Centre’s mission to ensure innovations under TAAT reach smallholder farmers. “With CSIR as our key partner, we are bridging the gap between research and real impact on the ground,” he said.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen agricultural value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote daily vegetable consumption to improve household nutrition and bolster local economies.
