The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) anticipates that current inflated tomato prices will drop significantly by late July once wet-season harvests commence. Rabiu Zuntu, the association’s Kaduna State Chairman, confirmed this outlook during a recent interview in Lagos. Tomato costs spiked sharply after May as dry-season supplies dwindled, pushing a 50kg basket from roughly N20,000 to as much as N130,000.
Zuntu explained that this price jump is a seasonal occurrence driven by unpredictable rainfall and intense heat affecting major agricultural hubs like Kaduna and Kano. To address this, many farmers have shifted to using flood-resistant and heat-tolerant seed varieties, which allows for cultivation during the rainy season. Without these improvements, Zuntu noted that consumers might have faced high prices well into late autumn.
The association is calling on government officials and private investors to prioritize the development of cold-chain storage facilities. Such infrastructure would allow producers to preserve harvests, effectively bridging supply gaps and mitigating price volatility. Additionally, Zuntu advocated for sustained support for the agricultural sector, including providing consistent access to fertilizers and agrochemicals, to ensure stable food supplies for the nation.
