Demeter Ghana trains 100 farmers in tomato cultivation in Pwalugu and Talensi
Demeter Ghana Limited,with support from the German Investment Company (DEG), has trained 100 smallholder farmers from Pwalugu and Talensi in tomato cultivation to boost yields and market access.
The three-day programme provided participants with practical lessons in land preparation, seedling production, transplanting, pest and disease management, irrigation, plant nutrition, harvesting, post-harvest handling, grading, and marketing. Experts from the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and the Naara Rural Bank joined the sessions to share knowledge and extend support to the farmers.
Since 2022, Demeter Ghana has been working with smallholder tomato farmers in Pwalugu, providing training, extension services and establishing a farmer cooperative to enhance production. Members of the cooperative benefit from discounted inputs, while lead farmers access support through an offtake agreement. Tomatoes harvested are aggregated and transported to Bolgatanga, Tamale and Accra to secure better prices. Naara Rural Bank also assists farmers to open accounts and access financing.
William Hunt, Country Manager of Demeter Ghana Limited, said the initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to strengthening agriculture in Ghana. “Our goal is to ensure that smallholder farmers not only have the tools but the knowledge and best skills needed to improve their productivity and income in tomato cultivation and beyond. At Demeter Ghana we take pride in helping farmers grow and build stronger businesses and to also contribute to the local economy in Ghana,” he stated.
The company says its long-term vision is to build a sustainable tomato value chain that benefits farmers, consumers and the wider economy.
