The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), in partnership with the World Vegetable Centre, is driving transformation in Ghana’s vegetable sector under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) II Project, with promising results for farmers and agribusinesses.
Launched in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, the initiative is introducing high-yielding, disease-tolerant vegetable varieties that could reshape the profitability of farming and processing businesses.
Crops such as the CRI Kwabena and Copia tomatoes are already proving to be game-changers, yielding up to 20 tons per hectare, more than double the national average of 7–10 tons.
For vegetable businesses, the benefits extend beyond yield. According to Mr. Mawuli Abusah, District Director of Agriculture, the new varieties last longer post-harvest, reducing losses and giving farmers and traders greater flexibility in reaching markets.
This durability is especially important for smallholder farmers supplying urban centers, as it can reduce spoilage during transportation and increase incomes.
Tomato processors are also experiencing gains. Ms. Kuatudzo Esther Deladem, a local processor, said the new tomatoes’ lower water content has significantly boosted processing efficiency, cutting costs and improving product quality. “We encourage more farmers to embrace these varieties so we can reduce post-harvest losses in our communities,” she said.
The project also strengthens the vegetable value chain by linking farmers to commercial seed producers, ensuring sustainable access to improved seeds.
Farmers participating in the field trials reported stronger market demand and better returns compared to traditional varieties, though they appealed for government subsidies to make the improved seeds more affordable.
For agribusinesses in logistics, retail, and agro-processing, the wider adoption of these varieties could enhance raw material reliability, create opportunities for value-added products, and drive exports.
Nutrition education embedded in the programme is also expected to increase domestic demand for vegetables like tomato, okra, and amaranth, expanding the market for farmers and processors alike.
Dr. Michael Kwabena Osei, Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-CRI, said the ultimate goal is to move beyond demonstration plots to full-scale adoption across the country.
“By boosting productivity and creating reliable supply chains, these varieties position Ghana’s vegetable sector for both food security and business growth,” he explained.
With Ghana’s vegetable businesses facing persistent challenges of low productivity, high losses, and volatile supply, the TAAT II Vegetable Compact Project signals a shift towards a more sustainable, profitable, and resilient agribusiness ecosystem.
