Locally Bred Tomatoes Outperform Imports from Burkina Faso — CSIR Scientist
CIR Kwabena Kwabena and Kopia Tomato deliver higher yields, disease resistance, and early fruiting.
- CIR Kwabena Kwabena and Kopia Tomato outperform imported Burkina Faso tomatoes
- Local varieties produce earlier, yield more, and resist crop diseases
- Production can reach 20 tons per hectare compared to 7.5 tons for older local varieties
Dr. Michael Kwadwo Osei, Principal Research Scientist and Tomato Breeder at the Crop Research Institute under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has revealed that locally developed tomato varieties outperform imported ones from Burkina Faso.
The two high-performing varieties, CIR Kwabena Kwabena and Kopia Tomato, according to the Crop Research Institute, have superior qualities compared to imported tomatoes.
Speaking to Lawson News reporter Syxtus Eshun, Dr. Osei highlighted that these varieties produce fruit earlier, yield more fruit per plant, and resist common crop diseases, making them a better choice for farmers and consumers.
He noted that while existing local tomato species produce 7.5 tons per hectare, CIR Kwabena Kwabena and Kopia Tomato can yield up to 20 tons per hectare, making them far more productive and profitable.
Dr. Osei added that the two varieties are also suitable for processing and ideal for domestic consumption, especially for people who enjoy fresh tomatoes.
When asked whether these varieties are genetically modified, he confirmed that they are conventionally bred and safe for consumption.
