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Vegetable farmers in the Anloga and Keta Districts have started an initiative to establish uniform measurement and pricing for their produce. They believe this will minimize the significant losses they face each harvest season due to inconsistent pricing from buyers, which has negatively impacted their economic stability.
Mr. Afetorgbor Godfred, the Public Relations Officer of the Southern Sector Vegetable Farmers and Marketers Association, emphasized the importance of this initiative as their primary solution to the problem. “We have agreed on certain terms and conditions that, if followed, will help address the issue of post-harvest losses,” he stated.
The farmers have already engaged with the leadership of buyers’ associations from Makola, Agbogbloshie, and other areas to discuss this new pricing strategy.
Research shows that tomato farmers in areas such as Tegbi, Woe, Anloga, Dzita, Agbledomi, and Anyanui have been suffering substantial post-harvest losses due to the lack of standardized measurement and pricing. In other regions, market commodities are sold by measurement or scales, a practice that could be beneficial if adopted locally.
Mr. Seth Yormewu, the Anloga District Chief Executive, has expressed his full support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to significantly reduce farmers’ annual post-harvest losses. He assured, “As a District, we will ensure these new directives are strictly adhered to.”
One of the major changes is that tomatoes, a key commodity in the area, will now be priced using a standardized wooden box measuring 24 inches by 24 inches (two feet square). This box, commonly known as “Agbado kushi,” should hold no more than four baskets of tomatoes.
Vegetable farming is a predominant occupation in the coastal belt of Volta due to the sandy soil and the availability of water for year-round irrigation. However, challenges such as post-harvest losses and high electricity costs have made this occupation less attractive over time.
Currently, a box of tomatoes is priced between GHC 2,000 and GHC 3,000, with expectations that prices will rise. Additionally, spring onions and carrots will also be measured using a standard bag, ensuring consistency across various vegetables.
