Tomato Prices May Ease From August As Wet-Season Harvest Begins, Traders Reassure Nigerians

The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria has assured Nigerians that the current high prices of tomatoes are expected to decline considerably from late July as the wet-season harvest begins.

Vanguard reported that the Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.

Tomato prices have risen sharply since early May, following the end of the dry-season harvest and reduced supply. A 50kg basket of tomatoes, which sold for between N18,000 and N20,000 in January, now costs between N100,000 and N130,000, depending on the variety.

Similarly, a 25kg crate currently sells for between N50,000 and N70,000 at wholesale markets in Lagos.

Zuntu said the price surge was seasonal and urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that supplies would improve once farmers commence harvesting wet-season tomatoes.

He said the adoption of flood-resistant tomato varieties has enabled many farmers to cultivate during the rainy season, improving prospects for increased production.

Punch also reported that tomato prices may drop from August as the wet-season harvest begins, citing Kaduna farmers.

Sources: Vanguard; Punch