The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has assured Nigerians that the current surge in tomato prices is expected to ease significantly from August as the wet-season harvest begins to reach markets across the country.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, Rabiu Zuntu, gave the assurance during an interview on Sunday, explaining that the ongoing price increase is seasonal and will reduce once fresh supplies become available.
Tomato prices have climbed sharply since early May following the end of the dry-season harvest, resulting in reduced market supply.
A 50-kilogram 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. Likewise, a 25-kilogram crate currently sells for between N50,000 and N70,000 at wholesale markets in Lagos.
Zuntu said the association had anticipated the seasonal price increase and projected that it would continue until the end of July.
He explained that the commencement of wet-season harvesting would improve supply, leading to a considerable reduction in prices from August.
According to him, the adoption of flood-resistant tomato varieties by many farmers has made it possible to cultivate tomatoes during the rainy season, boosting production prospects.
He noted that without these improved seed varieties, Nigerians might have had to wait until October or November before tomato prices began to decline.
Zuntu attributed the recurring scarcity experienced between May and June to the effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns and extreme temperatures, which affect tomato production in major producing states such as Kaduna and Kano.
He added that making heat-tolerant seed varieties more accessible to farmers would further improve production and reduce seasonal shortages.
The TOPAN chairman also called on the government and private sector investors to establish more cold-chain storage facilities across the country to minimise post-harvest losses and stabilise tomato prices throughout the year.
According to him, adequate storage infrastructure would enable farmers to preserve harvested tomatoes for one to two months instead of losing large quantities to spoilage, thereby helping to bridge supply gaps and reduce seasonal price fluctuations.
He further urged the government to strengthen support for tomato farmers through sustained interventions, including the provision of improved seeds, fertilisers and agrochemicals.
Zuntu stressed that continued investment in the tomato value chain would encourage increased production, improve farmers' productivity and ensure a more stable supply of tomatoes for consumers nationwide.
He added that although the current high prices have enabled many farmers to recover losses suffered during previous production cycles, long-term investment remains essential to guarantee food security and maintain stable prices, DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports.
ADEOLA KUNLE
No comments:
Post a Comment