Tomato Prices May Crash in October, TOOPAN Assures Nigerians

News in Brief

—TOOPAN promises Nigerians that tomato prices will fall by October, when harvesting begins in major producing states.

—The group blamed the current high prices on expensive inputs, insecurity, poor access to finance and low production levels across the value chain.

Tomato farmers under the umbrella of the Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria, TOOPAN, have assured Nigerians of a drop in tomato prices by October as the next harvesting season is expected to increase supply from major producing states and ease pressure on the market.

Speaking with Vanguard, TOOPAN President, Mr Oyeleke Bola, said the current supply shortage remains one of the biggest reasons prices have stayed high across markets and for industries that depend on fresh tomatoes as raw material. He said the market is expected to improve once more farmers begin harvesting in key producing areas across the country.

Post-Harvest Losses, Low Yield Affect Supply

Bola said the October harvest would come from northern and southern production belts, including Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and parts of Lagos State such as Badagry and Epe. He urged Nigerians to be patient with farmers, stressing that smallholder producers are working hard to raise output despite the many challenges facing the value chain.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s biggest tomato producers, ranking second on the continent after Egypt, according to industry reports. PwC’s industry report also shows that Nigeria produces about 2.3 million tonnes of tomatoes annually, though the report notes that post-harvest losses and weak logistics continue to weaken market supply.

Bola said farmers in some northern states are currently producing about 30 to 35 tonnes per hectare, while some producers in the South-West are recording between 20 and 30 tonnes per hectare. He said these yields show that local farmers can do more if they get better support, especially through access to inputs, training and affordable finance.

Better Agronomic Practices Drive Yields

The TOOPAN president said the recent price surge is being driven by a mix of factors, including the high cost of farm inputs, insecurity in tomato-producing areas, expensive seeds, weak access to credit and low farmer participation in cultivation. He added that the association is working with seed companies and fertiliser producers to make inputs more affordable for farmers.

Bola also said TOOPAN is training farmers on better agronomic practices as part of efforts to improve productivity and stabilise supply. Industry reports have long linked Nigeria’s tomato shortages to low yields, post-harvest losses and poor storage and transport systems, which continue to affect the market from farm to consumer.