Relief As Tomatoes Prices Crash
The prices of tomatoes have drastically decreased in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria due to the harvest season, resulting in an oversupply of produce.
Farmers report that the surplus has led to a significant drop in prices, with a 50kg basket of tomatoes now selling for as low as N10,000 to N12,000. In Lagos, a large basket of tomatoes currently sells for between N13,000 and N15,000, down from N140,000 to N150,000 in May 2024.
This price decrease is typical during the harvest season, which usually occurs from January to March.
The Chairman, Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna State Chapter), Mr Rabiu Zuntu advised consumers to take advantage of the low prices and preserve as much of the produce as possible.
He highlighted that the sector faces significant post-harvest losses due to a lack of storage facilities and preservation technologies.
Zuntu explained that consumers can preserve tomatoes using various methods, including blending, boiling, and storing them in airtight jars. He also suggested burying tomatoes underground in a humid environment to maintain their freshness.
“One of the challenges we face in the tomato sector during January, February, and March is the tomato glut. This glut typically leads to almost 50 per cent post-harvest losses because we lack sufficient storage facilities, cold rooms, and other technologies to preserve tomatoes and other vegetables.”
“Currently, we have very few functioning tomato processing facilities to help reduce the annual post-harvest losses. We usually advise consumers during this period to preserve as many tomatoes as they can to offset the impact when prices increase later in the year. Households can take advantage of the lower prices now and preserve them for when the prices rise,” Zuntu stated.
Tomato vendors in Lagos State have confirmed the price drop and are encouraging households to stock up on tomatoes while they remain affordable. Some consumers have shared their experiences, citing difficulties in preserving tomatoes due to inconsistent electricity supply.
Despite these challenges, many consumers are seizing the opportunity to buy and preserve tomatoes for future use.
