There is hope for Nigerians as the high tomato prices are expected to decrease this July, thanks to a significant harvest from Plateau State, a major tomato-producing region.
The Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) provided this assurance, with its National President, Oyeleke Bola, explaining the factors that led to the previous spike in tomato prices across the country.
In an interview with Vanguard, Bola attributed the high tomato prices to delayed rainfalls, which were exacerbated by an outbreak of tuta absoluta, also known as tomato ebola. This outbreak particularly impacted farmers in Kano, causing prices to soar.
Bola noted that the optimal time to plant tomatoes in Nigeria is between December and March, allowing for harvesting during the lean months of May to August, when tomato prices typically peak.
“Small-scale farmers and the association faced numerous challenges in 2024. The climate was unfavorable as the rain came late, and the first rain generated intense heat from the ground, which destroyed nearly one hectare of tomato crops in Kano State and other regions.
Amidst addressing this issue, the outbreak of tomato ebola severely damaged our tomatoes, significantly affecting our investments and making it difficult for farmers to manage,” Bola stated.
However, he pointed out that the current tomato harvest in Plateau State would help reduce market prices.
Despite the delayed planting season this year, efforts are being made to prepare the land for wet season farming, though small-scale farmers suffered substantial losses during the dry season farming.
Transportation costs remain a significant challenge affecting current tomato prices, but the influx of the new harvest into major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt by mid-July is expected to reduce prices.
Bola emphasized that tomato farmers have learned from their recent experiences with weather-related challenges and will make necessary adjustments to improve future production.
He also highlighted that year-round tomato production could solve the scarcity and high prices, especially with substantial private sector investment and government collaboration.
“All-year-round tomato production is achievable when the private sector and government work together, coupled with the deployment of technology in land preparation and mechanization for small-scale farmers. This approach can enable three seasons of tomato production annually,” he said.
However, Bola expressed reservations about using GMO tomato seeds, advocating instead for improving local seeds and varieties.
“Improving local seeds will increase yield and support industrialization. While GMO seeds are considered due to low yields, local seeds improved by institutions like the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) can also provide good yields to feed our growing population.
More players are needed in the value chain for processing and technology,” he explained.
Bola concluded by urging the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to establish a Federal Department for Tomato Development within the ministry.
This department would focus on seed development, technology deployment, farmer capacity building, extension services, and creating facilities for processing and storage to ensure year-round production.
“This initiative would address challenges in the tomato value chain and attract investments in seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and processing, meeting the daily consumption needs of Nigerians,” he said.
