The price of tomatoes has significantly plummeted across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, thanks to the ongoing harvest season, which has resulted in an overwhelming surplus of the produce. Farmers and vendors report that the excess supply has caused a sharp drop in prices, with a 50kg basket of tomatoes now selling for as low as ₦10,000 to ₦12,000 in some areas.
In Lagos markets, a big basket of tomatoes, which sold for between ₦140,000 and ₦150,000 in May 2024, is now going for just ₦13,000 to ₦15,000. The dramatic price reduction is being attributed to the peak harvest season, typically running from January to March, a period often marked by what experts call a “tomato glut.”
Farmers and agricultural experts are urging Nigerians to seize this opportunity to buy tomatoes in bulk and preserve them for future use. The Chairman of the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna State Chapter), Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, emphasized the importance of preservation during this period of abundance. He lamented the sector’s recurring challenge of post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities and preservation technologies, noting that nearly 50% of the harvest is wasted each year.
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Zuntu advised consumers to explore simple preservation methods, such as blending and boiling tomatoes before storing them in airtight jars. He also highlighted traditional techniques, like burying tomatoes underground in humid conditions to maintain freshness. According to him, these methods can help households mitigate the impact of higher tomato prices later in the year.
“During this period of glut, households can buy tomatoes at much cheaper prices and preserve them. This will cushion the effect when prices rise later in the year,” Zuntu explained. He further noted that the limited availability of functioning tomato processing facilities continues to exacerbate post-harvest losses annually.
Tomato vendors in Lagos State echoed these sentiments, urging families to take advantage of the low prices while they last. Many consumers are heeding the advice, despite challenges like erratic power supply, which makes tomato preservation difficult for some households.
For Lagos residents, the crash in prices has brought some relief, especially for those who have struggled to afford tomatoes at peak prices. While some are focused on stocking up and preserving the produce, others are taking advantage of the affordable prices to enjoy an abundance of fresh tomatoes in their daily meals.
