The Irrigation Company of the Upper Region (ICOUR) is changing its approach to tomato farming, insisting farmers must secure a market before planting.
Managing Director Dr Dominic Anarigide says the new model will link farmers directly to identified off-takers who will provide inputs, technical support and a ready market.
“We are now anchoring the farmers with an off-taker,” he said.
Under the arrangement, he said, farmers will produce according to agreed standards, with buyers committed to purchasing the harvest.
The strategy is aimed at addressing persistent problems in the tomato sector, including disease outbreaks, financing difficulties and market failures.
ICOUR has earmarked 500 hectares at the Tono and Vea irrigation schemes for tomato production.
Dr Anarigide says the focus is to ensure farmers know who will buy their produce before they invest in production.
The company is also validating farms before releasing inputs and financing, while providing technical guidance to help farmers meet buyers’ quality requirements.
ICOUR hopes the market-led approach will reduce the risks farmers face and help revive the Upper East Region’s once-thriving tomato industry.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
