Tomato Prices May Drop From August as Wet-Season Harvest Begins in Nigeria

Nigerians facing soaring tomato prices can anticipate a considerable drop from August as the wet-season harvest begins to reach markets, according to the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN).

Rabiu Zuntu, the Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, assured the public that the current price surge, which began in early May after the dry-season harvest concluded, is seasonal. He urged patience, noting that supplies are projected to improve substantially once wet-season harvesting commences. "We projected that the increase in tomato prices would last until the end of July, when wet-season harvesting begins," Zuntu said. "From August, prices will begin to decline considerably because fresh supplies will enter the market."

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We projected that the increase in tomato prices would last until the end of July, when wet-season harvesting begins. From August, prices will begin to decline considerably because fresh supplies will enter the market.

The sharp increase has seen a 50kg basket of tomatoes, which cost between N18,000 and N20,000 in January, now selling for N100,000 to N130,000. Similarly, a 25kg crate is priced between N50,000 and N70,000 in wholesale markets.

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If farmers had not embraced these improved varieties, Nigerians might have had to wait until October or November before prices dropped.

Zuntu highlighted that the adoption of flood-resistant tomato varieties has been crucial, enabling farmers to cultivate during the rainy season and improving production prospects. Without these improved varieties, he noted, prices might not have started to decline until October or November. He also attributed the scarcity experienced between May and June to climate change, specifically unpredictable rainfall and extreme heat affecting cultivation in key producing states like Kaduna and Kano.

TOPAN is calling for increased government and private investment in cold-chain storage facilities to mitigate post-harvest losses and stabilize prices throughout the year. "When harvest is abundant, proper cold storage will allow farmers to preserve tomatoes for one or two months instead of watching them spoil," Zuntu explained. He also urged government support for farmers through improved seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals to ensure sustained production and stable supplies for consumers.

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When harvest is abundant, proper cold storage will allow farmers to preserve tomatoes for one or two months instead of watching them spoil. That will help bridge the gap between supply and demand and reduce seasonal price fluctuations.