The Chairman of the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, has said that the country should expect a significant rise in tomato availability as the festive season approaches.
In an interview, he explained that the market is already feeling the impact of increased harvests, which has pushed prices down in major producing regions. According to him, tomato prices are falling because supply has continued to improve, and this trend is expected to continue through Christmas and the New Year.
Zuntu noted that a 50kg basket of tomatoes that recently sold for between 40,000 and 60,000 naira now goes for far less. He revealed that the same quantity was sold for between 25,000 and 30,000 naira last week and currently sells for around 15,000 to 16,000 naira in the northern part of the country.
He stressed that many farms have not yet reached their peak harvest period, which means supplies will continue to build up. Zuntu added that the current level of ripening across several tomato producing zones indicates that more farmers will soon join the market with fresh produce.
With this steady rise in output, Zuntu expressed confidence that consumers will enjoy abundant tomatoes for end of year celebrations.
