Nigerians may soon see relief from high tomato prices as the Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) predicts a price drop in July, thanks to a significant harvest from Plateau State, a key tomato-producing region.
According to report from vanguard, TOPAN's National President, Oyeleke Bola, explained that the previous price surge was primarily due to delayed rainfalls and an outbreak of "tomato ebola" (tuta absoluta), which severely impacted farmers in Kano and other areas.
Bola highlighted that the ideal planting period for tomatoes in Nigeria is between December and March. This timing ensures a harvest during the lean months of May to August when tomato prices peak. In 2024, small-scale farmers faced numerous challenges, including late rains that caused heat damage to crops and the devastating effects of tuta absoluta, which further escalated prices.
However, the recent harvest in Plateau State is expected to alleviate some of these pressures, potentially lowering tomato prices in markets across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt by mid-July. Despite ongoing issues like high transportation costs, the influx of fresh tomatoes should help stabilize prices.
Bola emphasized that the lessons learned from recent weather challenges will lead to better preparations for future planting seasons. He also stressed the importance of year-round tomato production to combat scarcity and high prices. This goal could be achieved through substantial private sector investment and government collaboration, along with the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies.
While Bola is cautious about using GMO tomato seeds, he advocates for improving local seed varieties to boost yields and support industrialization. He called for the establishment of a Federal Department for Tomato Development within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
This department would focus on seed development, technology deployment, farmer training, extension services, processing facilities, and storage solutions. Addressing these areas could significantly enhance tomato production and reduce prices, benefiting both farmers and consumers.