In 3-4 years, we should be self-sufficient in tomato farming-Dumelo

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has called on farmers to expand dry-season cultivation to increase local tomato production and ensure a stable food supply, following a decision by Burkina Faso to suspend tomato exports.

The Burkinabè government, in a joint statement released in Ouagadougou, announced an immediate nationwide ban on tomato exports “until further notice,” aiming to secure adequate supply for its domestic processing sector.

As part of the directive, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has been halted, effectively cutting off official export routes. However, traders holding valid permits have been granted a two-week grace period to complete pending transactions before all approvals are withdrawn.

Authorities in Burkina Faso also cautioned that any breach of the directive would attract penalties under existing laws, with confiscated goods redirected to local processing facilities.

Responding to the situation, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, said Ghana must work to reduce its dependence on imported tomatoes by strengthening domestic production.

In an interview on Joy News on Thursday, March 19, 2026, he expressed confidence that consistent investment could significantly cut down import reliance in the coming years.

He noted that while Ghana may continue sourcing tomatoes from Burkina Faso in the short term, sustained support for local farmers could lead to self-sufficiency in the medium term.

“For us, going to Burkina Faso for tomatoes might not end immediately, but once farmers are supported, within three or four years, we should be self-sufficient when it comes to tomato production,” he said.

Mr. Dumelo also stressed the importance of scaling up dry-season farming, assuring that the ministry is ready to provide the necessary support to boost production, particularly during the export ban.

He added that although the reasons behind Burkina Faso’s decision are yet to be fully understood, he had already encouraged farmers in the Northern Region to embrace dry-season tomato farming, noting that many have begun doing so.

“I urged them to take up dry-season farming last year, and this year, many have responded. I’ve asked them to outline the support they need to expand further, and the government is committed to helping them increase production,” he added.