CSIR-CRI introduces new tomatoes

In the soil of Kumasi and Berekum, two new tomato varieties are changing the way farmers think about food, science, and the future. They are called KOPIA Tomato and CRI-Kwabena Kwabena.

Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), these are Ghana’s first-ever open-pollinated tomato varieties. That means farmers can save seeds, replant, and reap the benefits without relying on expensive imports or hybrid restrictions.

“This is a game-changer,” said Dr Michael Kwabena Osei, lead research scientist on the project. “These tomatoes mature early—just 55 days—and they are built to thrive. High yields, strong disease resistance, and high Brix levels make them perfect for fresh markets and industrial processing alike,” he added.

Backed by Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) and funded through the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), the project also enjoys support from Ghana Care Obaatanpa under the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance.

Recently, the newly appointed KOPIA Ghana Director, Dr Young Jin Kim, visited tomato project sites in Kumasi and Berekum. Accompanied by KOPIA Administrator, Mr Noah Lanyon, Farm Manager, Mr Abdullah, and visiting scientist, Hyunju Jeong, the team toured breeder and foundation seed fields—where the future of Ghana’s tomato industry is being quietly cultivated.

Local farmers spoke with pride about the new varieties. They praised their resilience, sweetness, and market appeal. But they also voiced a clear plea that “timely access to seeds is critical if this breakthrough is to reach its full potential. These tomatoes are ready. We just need the seeds to reach us in time,” they indicated.

The varieties are already thriving in Ghana’s forest and transitional agro-ecological zones—covering Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. Adaptive trials are underway to expand their reach nationwide.

FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI

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