Friday, February 14, 2025
More
    HomeCrops ProductionWhy Tomato price is dropping across major markets in Nigeria 

    Why Tomato price is dropping across major markets in Nigeria 

    The price of tomatoes has significantly dropped in Lagos and other parts of the country due to an ongoing glut attributed to the harvest season, farmers have said.

    A tomato glut occurs when the supply of tomatoes exceeds market demand, often leading to a substantial price reduction. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this phenomenon typically takes place between January and March annually in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Kano Tomato market closure in favor of our business – TOGAN

    Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: How I lost N1 million investment to Tuta Asoluta disease – Tomato farmer

    Currently, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sells for as low as N10,000 to N12,000 depending on the species, while a 25kg plastic crate costs between N6,000 and N7,000 in Northern Nigeria. In Lagos, a big basket of tomatoes is priced between N13,000 and N15,000—significantly lower than the N140,000 to N150,000 recorded in May 2024.

    Rabiu Zuntu, chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, attributed the drop in prices to the harvest season. He urged consumers to take advantage of the surplus by preserving tomatoes to mitigate future scarcity.

    “One of the problems we face in the tomato sector is that the period from January to March is characterized by a tomato glut. This leads to almost 50% post-harvest losses due to the lack of storage facilities, cold rooms, and other preservation technologies,” Zuntu said.

    He emphasized the need for consumers to adopt preservation practices. “Households can buy tomatoes at a cheaper price during this period and preserve them for times when prices rise. Blending, boiling, and storing in airtight jars can extend shelf life for up to six months. Alternatively, tomatoes can be buried underground in a humid environment to maintain their freshness.”

    Some traders in Lagos confirmed the price drop and echoed the call for preservation. Queen Oloyede, a trader in Surulere, noted, “Since last week, a 50kg basket of tomatoes has been selling for between N15,000 and N20,000 at Mile 12 market. I advise customers to stock up now.”

    Another trader, Judith Amen, pointed out that the highest quality tomatoes are still relatively expensive, selling for between N35,000 and N37,000 per 50kg basket. “People should preserve what they can afford to buy,” she said.

    Consumers also shared their experiences regarding the affordability and preservation of tomatoes. Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of Agege, highlighted challenges caused by inconsistent electricity supply. “With tomatoes in surplus, it’s advisable to buy in bulk and preserve them, but not everyone knows local preservation methods,” she said.

    Ebere Dudu, a housewife in Dopemu, expressed her relief over the current prices. “A small basket now costs N3,000, compared to N8,000 or N9,000 months ago. I buy as much as I can and preserve for future use.”

    Similarly, Queen Akpan stated her intent to preserve tomatoes if she could afford to buy them in bulk. “We are enjoying the abundance and affordable prices. If I can afford it, I’ll stock up to save funds for the days prices rise,” she said.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Most Popular

    Recent Comments