The Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (TGPMAN) has allayed fears of the usual annual price hike for tomatoes and other vegetables during the upcoming Ramadan fast.
Kaduna State Chairman of the association, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Lagos.
Zuntu explained that, unlike previous years, this Ramadan would see lower prices due to a bountiful harvest and the timing of the fast.
“Last year’s planting and harvest season was not beneficial for farmers due to low produce prices and high input costs.
“This year, vegetable production may increase because many people need vegetables to break their fast. Generally, food consumption decreases during Ramadan as Muslims skip breakfast and lunch.
“So, the price of tomatoes may likely crash during Ramadan.
“Prices are determined by demand and supply. When supply is high, prices go down,” he said.
According to him, last year’s low prices for grains and other items prompted many northern farmers to cultivate more vegetables, leading to high yields despite challenges like the Tuta absoluta virus.
“Most Ramadan fasts usually begin around April, when supply is low after the harvest season ends.
“But this year, Ramadan begins in February and ends in March—the peak of tomato harvest in many northern states like Kaduna and Kano.
“In areas where harvest is still ongoing, tomato prices may crash further.
“Nigerians should not expect any increase in tomato prices during Ramadan because demand will reduce while supply remains high in northern markets,” Zuntu said.
He disclosed that a 50kg basket of tomatoes currently sells for between N7,000 and N10,000 in northern markets (depending on variety and size), down from as low as N5,000 in recent weeks.
Due to logistics, the same basket sells for N18,000–N20,000 in southern markets.
“As a chapter, we appreciate the national leadership of the tomato farmers association for their efforts to secure government intervention and reduce hardship for vegetable farmers.
“We also appeal to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to support vegetable farmers in the 2026 planting season, especially with farm inputs,” he said.
