The price of tomatoes has significantly decreased in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, with farmers attributing the drop to the annual tomato glut experienced during the harvest season, which typically occurs from January to March.
According to farmers, the glut is caused by an excess of tomatoes, resulting in a decrease in price. Tomatoes are currently selling for as low as N10,000 to N12,000 for a 50kg basket, depending on the species.
Rabiu Zuntu, chairman of the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, stated, “One of the problems we face in the tomato sector is that the period from January, February, and March is the tomato glut (excess harvest of tomatoes). During this glut period, households can buy it at a cheaper price and preserve it for the time when the price goes up.”
Some tomato vendors in Lagos State have also acknowledged the price drop and advised households to preserve the produce while it is in surplus. Queen Oloyede, a trader in the Surulere area, said, “Since a week ago, a basket of 50kg tomatoes sells at the Mile 12 market for between N15,000 and N20,000. I advise customers to begin to stock up for the time the produce will be scarce in the market.”
Consumers have also shared their experiences with the price of tomatoes and their preservation efforts. Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of the Agege area, said, “If I know how to preserve tomatoes without freezing them, I will buy more.”
Ebere Dudu, a housewife in the Dopemu area, admitted that the price of tomatoes was affordable presently but unpredictable. “I bought a small basket at N3,000 recently. That same quantity used to sell for as high as N8,000 or N9,000 months back. If you have the ability to preserve tomatoes, this is the time to use that ability,” Ms Dudu said.
