Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has announced a personal initiative aimed at supporting young farmers to engage in dry season tomato farming.
In a social media post on May 29, the minister, who also serves as a legislator, revealed that he will personally sponsor 20 young farmers under a pilot project designed to boost tomato production during the dry season.
According to him, interested applicants must have their land cleared and ready by September, with a minimum land size of 2 acres and a maximum of 20 acres.
He explained that the support package will be input-based and will cover tractor services, fertilizer, seeds, agricultural extension services, weed and pest control, irrigation systems, and access to a ready market for harvested tomatoes.
“I want to personally sponsor 20 young farmers who want to do dry season Tomato farming this year,” he wrote, outlining the requirements and support structure.
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John Dumelo, who is also a farmer, further noted that the pilot initiative is expected to help cultivate over 400 acres of tomatoes during the dry season, with plans for expansion if successful.
“This is a personal pilot project and hopefully we can collectively cultivate over 400 acres of tomatoes this year during the dry season. Together let’s make this work. #idey4u,” he added.
The initiative is expected to encourage youth participation in agriculture while improving tomato production during Ghana’s dry season farming period.
