Jigawa Tomato Farmers Demand Processing Plant to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses

News in Brief:

—Tomato farmers in Jigawa State are seeking the establishment of a processing plant to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise market prices.

—Farmers also cited rising production costs, pests, diseases, inadequate storage facilities and poor access to agricultural support as key challenges affecting production.

Tomato farmers in Kazaure, Jigawa State, have called for the establishment of a tomato processing plant to strengthen the state's tomato value chain, reduce post-harvest losses and provide a more stable market for producers.

The farmers also identified rising production costs, pests and diseases, unstable market prices and inadequate storage facilities as major challenges hindering the tomato industry's profitability and growth.

One of the farmers, Mr Auwalu Dahiru, described tomato farming as a profitable agricultural enterprise with significant potential to improve rural livelihoods if supported with the right policies and infrastructure.

He said the increasing demand for fresh tomatoes and processed tomato products presents opportunities for farmers to expand production and improve their incomes.

According to Dahiru, improved access to irrigation facilities, affordable farm inputs, soft loans and better rural road networks would encourage more farmers, particularly young people, to venture into tomato cultivation.

He also stressed the importance of adopting modern farming techniques to improve productivity and profitability.

Rising Production Costs, Diseases Threaten Profitability

Mr Dayyabu Iliyasu, another farmer in the region, stated that tomato farming remains attractive because of the steady demand for the crop throughout the year despite the numerous production challenges.

He explained that many farmers continue to invest in tomato cultivation because it offers relatively quick returns compared to some other agricultural enterprises.

However, he noted that the increasing cost of fertilisers, improved seedlings, agrochemicals and labour has significantly raised production expenses.

Farmer Idi Mamman identified pests and diseases as one of the most serious threats to tomato production in the area.

He said frequent infestations reduce yields and compel farmers to spend more on pesticides and other crop protection measures.

Mamman called for stronger agricultural extension services to provide farmers with improved pest and disease management techniques capable of enhancing productivity and reducing production losses.

Processing Plant Seen as Solution to Price Instability

Sale Bello blamed unstable market prices for the low income among tomato producers.

He explained that bumper harvests often result in sharp price declines, making it difficult for farmers to recover production costs and earn sustainable profits.

According to Bello, the absence of adequate storage and processing facilities contributes significantly to post-harvest losses during peak production periods.

He urged the government and private investors to establish tomato processing industries in the area to reduce wastage, stabilise market prices and create a dependable market for farmers.

The farmers expressed optimism that increased investment in processing infrastructure would not only improve the profitability of tomato farming but also strengthen food processing, create jobs and enhance agricultural value addition in Jigawa State.