Yuletide Season: Tomato Farmers Forecast Higher Supply, Lower Prices Ahead of Festivities

The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria says Nigerians should expect a boost in tomato supply as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach.

The association’s chairman, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

According to Zuntu, tomato prices have already begun to drop as production volumes rise ahead of the festive season.

“Actually, the price of tomatoes is presently down, and most times it is influenced by the forces of demand and supply. The higher the supply, the lower the price, and vice versa,” he told NAN.

He added that the market is seeing a steady increase in supply.
“Presently, the volume of supply is increasing, and the price has gone down considerably. Up north last week, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sold between N25,000 and N30,000 compared with N40,000 and N60,000 weeks back.
“Currently, the same quantity of tomatoes sells between N15,000 and N16,000 up north.”

Zuntu assured that the rising supply means Nigerians will have enough tomatoes for seasonal cooking.
“So, with the increased supply of tomatoes currently, there is going to be enough for Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.

He further explained that many farms have not yet completed harvesting, which will expand supply even more in the coming weeks.

“Actually, we are going to have enough because, looking at the farming situation and the level of maturity or ripeness of the tomato ready for harvesting.
“There are some farm areas that have not yet started harvesting, and with those who have started, the quantity will continue to increase towards the Christmas and the New Year celebrations,” Zuntu added.

NAN reports that in Lagos, a 50kg basket of tomatoes currently sells for between N40,000 and N50,000, a drop from the N80,000 to over N100,000 recorded in recent months.
Likewise, a crate now costs between N15,000 and N18,000.

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