Abuja: The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has reassured Nigerians that the current spike in tomato prices is anticipated to decrease significantly by late July as the wet-season harvest commences. Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, the Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, provided this assurance during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, tomato prices have experienced a steep rise since early May due to the conclusion of the dry-season harvest and a subsequent reduction in supply. Currently, a 50kg basket of tomatoes, which was priced between N18,000 and N20,000 in January, now ranges from N100,000 to N130,000, varying by variety. Similarly, a 25kg crate is selling for between N50,000 and N70,000 in Lagos wholesale markets.
Zuntu explained that the price increase is a seasonal occurrence and urged Nigerians to remain patient, as supplies are expected to improve with the onset of the wet-season harvest. He projected that the surge in prices would persist until the end of July, with a considerable decline anticipated from August as fresh supplies enter the market.
He highlighted that the adoption of flood-resistant tomato varieties has enabled many farmers to continue cultivation during the rainy season, improving prospects for increased production. Without these improved varieties, Nigerians might have faced extended high prices until October or November.
Zuntu attributed the recurring scarcity from May to June to climate change effects, specifically unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme heat, which hinder tomato cultivation in major producing states like Kaduna and Kano. He also mentioned that heat-tolerant seed varieties could further enhance production if made readily available to farmers.
The TOPAN chairman called on both government and private investors to establish more cold-chain storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses and stabilize prices throughout the year. Proper cold storage during abundant harvests could preserve tomatoes for longer periods, bridging the gap between supply and demand and reducing seasonal price fluctuations.
Moreover, Zuntu urged the government to enhance support for tomato farmers through regular interventions, including improved seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. He emphasized that sustained investment in the tomato value chain is crucial to encouraging farmers to remain in production, boost productivity, and ensure stable supplies for consumers.
While acknowledging that the current high prices have allowed many farmers to recover losses from previous production cycles, Zuntu stressed the importance of long-term investments to ensure food security and price stability.