Edem Kojo is not your typical farmer. A university graduate with a passion for agribusiness, he is redefining what it means to be a young farmer in today’s world. While many of his peers chase white-collar jobs, Kojo has found purpose in the soil—cultivating lettuce and various farm produce. But his vision goes beyond just planting crops; he wants to revolutionize the industry by starting tomato powder production.
A Young Farmer’s Dream
Kojo believes in the power of agriculture to create wealth and sustain livelihoods. “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡!” he says. According to him, the days of seeing farming as an occupation for the elderly are over. The youth must embrace agriculture with innovation, technology, and a business mindset.
His idea to produce tomato powder is rooted in solving a major problem: post-harvest losses. Ghana produces large quantities of tomatoes, yet many farmers suffer losses due to spoilage. By processing tomatoes into powder, Kojo aims to extend their shelf life, add value, and create more opportunities in the agricultural value chain.
Farming Is Business, Not a Last Resort
“They told us farming was for the old. They said agriculture belonged to past generations. But here we are—young, bold, and rewriting the narrative,” Kojo emphasizes.
He is not alone in this movement. Across the country, young people are stepping into agriculture with a fresh perspective—leveraging technology, improving efficiency, and making farming profitable. From cattle vaccination to smart irrigation and agribusiness startups, the youth are proving that agriculture is not outdated; it’s the future.
A Call to Action for Young People
Kojo’s journey is a testament that farming is more than just tilling the land—it’s an investment. “The world will always need food, and those who produce it will always be in demand,” he states confidently.
To every young person out there:
✅ See agriculture as an opportunity, not a fallback.
✅ Embrace technology to modernize farming.
✅ Focus on agribusiness and value addition.
✅ Be part of the future that feeds the world.
As Kojo works toward launching his tomato powder production business, he hopes to inspire others to take up the challenge. The youth must seize the moment, step into agribusiness, and shape the future of farming.
The soil holds wealth—are you ready to cultivate it? 🚜🌿💪
Starting a Tomato Powder Production Business: Kojo’s Vision
Identifying the Problem
Every year, countless farmers experience significant losses due to excess tomato production, poor storage facilities, and inefficient distribution channels. These surplus tomatoes often go to waste, creating both financial and food security challenges. On the other hand, during seasons of scarcity, consumers have no choice but to rely on expensive, imported tomato pastes and concentrates, which often contain artificial additives. Recognizing this problem, young farmer Edem Kojo has set out to create a sustainable solution through tomato powder production.
The Project’s Objective
Kojo’s goal is to reduce post-harvest losses by transforming surplus tomatoes into a preservable and easy-to-use tomato powder. This initiative not only ensures farmers can maximize their yields but also provides consumers with a natural, organic alternative to imported tomato pastes.
The Production Process
To ensure efficiency and sustainability, the tomato powder production process follows these key steps:
- Sourcing Surplus Tomatoes – Kojo collaborates with local farmers, markets, and cooperatives to acquire excess tomatoes that would otherwise go to waste.
- Drying Process – The tomatoes are carefully sliced and dried using sun or solar dryers to remove moisture while preserving nutrients.
- Grinding and Processing – Once dried, the tomatoes are crushed into a fine powder using a high-powered blender or grinder.
- Packaging and Storage – The powdered tomatoes are vacuum-sealed in small sachets or containers to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.
- Branding and Distribution – The final product is branded and marketed to households, restaurants, and food vendors as a convenient cooking ingredient.
Materials and Equipment Required
To successfully launch this venture, Kojo has outlined the key materials and tools needed:
- Fresh tomatoes (sourced from local farmers)
- Sun or solar dryers for moisture removal
- Blenders or grinders for powder processing
- Vacuum-sealed packaging for long-term storage
- Branding materials for marketing
- A solid distribution and sales strategy
Business Advantages
Kojo’s tomato powder business presents multiple benefits to farmers, consumers, and the economy at large:
- Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: Farmers can now convert excess produce into a valuable, long-lasting product.
- Availability Throughout the Year: Unlike fresh tomatoes, tomato powder is easy to store and use all year round.
- 100% Natural and Organic: The production process involves no artificial preservatives or additives, making it a healthier alternative.
- Extended Shelf Life: Tomato powder remains fresh and usable for over a year when properly stored.
- Convenient Usage: Consumers can simply add the powder to soups, stews, and sauces without the hassle of storing fresh tomatoes.
A Sustainable Future for Farmers and Consumers
Kojo’s innovative approach to tomato preservation has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector by minimizing waste, increasing farmer profitability, and offering consumers a cost-effective, natural product. Through this initiative, Kojo is not only securing his future as a young farmer but also contributing to food security and economic development.
This tomato powder production business is an excellent example of how agricultural innovation can create sustainable solutions while benefiting multiple stakeholders in the food chain.
@MYFARMTECH
Edem Kojo – Presidential Farmer
