The Tomato Farmers Association in Kamgbunli has requested the government to establish a tomato processing factory in the area.

The Association noted that tomatoes have become a significant crop alongside cocoa and rubber in Kamgbunli. However, due to the perishable nature of tomatoes, farmers are unable to fully benefit from their harvest.

Mr. Shaibu Issa, Secretary of the Tomato Farmers Association's Steering Committee, revealed during a media tour of the tomato farms at Old Kamgbunli that a substantial portion of the harvest is wasted due to the absence of a reliable market.

He explained that the farmers are organized into four groups, each assigned specific days of the week to harvest ripe tomatoes. Mr. Issa believes that a local factory would enable these groups to supply an abundance of tomatoes for processing.

He also highlighted that tomato farming has enhanced the livelihoods of many community members, particularly women. However, he pointed out that poor road access to farmlands hampers the transportation of produce to market centers.

Mr. Issa appealed to the government, philanthropic entities, and investors to support the farmers and bolster tomato farming in the region.

The Developmental Chief of Kamgbunli, Mr. Ali Nuhu Abeka, commented that despite agriculture being Ghana's backbone, persistent issues prevent the sector from realizing its full potential.

He observed that in Kamgbunli, tomatoes are wasted due to a lack of markets and storage facilities, among other challenges.

Mr. Nuhu Abeka mentioned that some farmers are considering abandoning agriculture, which is their sole livelihood.

He reiterated the urgent need for a processing facility to make agriculture more profitable, especially since over 80 acres of inland valley rice fields have been neglected by successive governments.

With a population of 5,000, approximately 700 residents are actively engaged in organic tomato farming.

Madam Mariama Osman, a local tomato farmer, shared that their ancestors practiced rice farming without much success.

"We've turned to tomato farming because it's profitable and supports our children's education," she said, adding that nematodes are a significant threat to tomato production.

Mr. Dauda Musah, the Assembly Member of Kamgbunli, stated that he and the committee are devising strategies to attract external support.