The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has assured Nigerians that the current high prices of tomatoes will decline considerably from late July as the wet-season harvest begins.
The Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, gave the assurance in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Lagos.
Tomato prices have risen sharply since early May following the end of the dry-season harvest and reduced supply. A 50kg basket, which sold for between N18,000 and N20,000 in January, now costs between N100,000 and N130,000, while a 25kg crate sells for between N50,000 and N70,000 at wholesale markets in Lagos.
Zuntu described the price surge as seasonal and urged Nigerians to be patient, noting that supplies would improve once wet-season harvesting commences.
“We projected that the increase in tomato prices would last until the end of July when wet-season harvesting begins. From August, prices will begin to decline considerably as fresh supplies enter the market,” he said.
He credited the adoption of flood-resistant tomato varieties for enabling many farmers to cultivate during the rainy season, which has improved prospects for increased production.
Zuntu attributed the recurring scarcity between May and June to climate change, particularly unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme heat in major producing states such as Kaduna and Kano.
He called on the government and private investors to establish more cold-chain storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise prices year-round.
The TOPAN chairman also urged the government to provide sustained support to tomato farmers through improved seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals.
He noted that long-term investment in the tomato value chain is essential to boost productivity, ensure food security, and achieve price stability for consumers.
