Tomato Prices Drop Amid Seasonal Glut and Post-Harvest Challenges 

The price of tomatoes has declined due to a seasonal glut and post-harvest challenges, affecting farmers and market dynamics across Nigeria.

Farmers have reported that tomato prices in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria have dropped significantly because of a seasonal surplus brought on by the current harvest period.

An oversupply, occurring when tomato production surpasses market demand, generally results in reduced prices. In Nigeria, this situation is often observed from January to March.

According to reports, the cost of a 50kg basket of tomatoes now varies between N10,000 and N12,000 depending on the variety in northern regions. Meanwhile, a 25kg plastic crate is priced from N6,000 to N7,000. In contrast, in Lagos currently sells for around N13,000 to NN15-N40% less than its previous price range.

Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, the Chairman of the Kaduna Chapter of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, explained that tomato prices are currently low due to the harvest season. He encouraged consumers to capitalize on this abundance by preserving tomatoes for future use.

Zuntu explained that a major issue in the tomato industry is the surplus of tomatoes from January to March, leading to nearly 50% post-harvest losses because of insufficient storage facilities, cold rooms, and other preservation technologies.

He recommended that households purchase tomatoes in large quantities and preserve them, pointing out that the surplus won’t last long.

He added, “In this period, households have the opportunity to purchase at lower rates and stockpile items to mitigate the impact of price increases later in the year.”

Zuntu also emphasized several small-scale preservation methods, including blending, boiling, and storing tomatoes in airtight jars to maintain their freshness for up to six months.

In Lagos, the decline in prices hasn’t gone unnoticed by traders. Mrs. Queen Oloyede, a seller based in Surulere, mentioned that “a 50kg basket of tomatoes at Mile 12 market is now priced between N15,000 and N20,000. Customers are advised to stock up ahead of times when tomatoes may become scarce.”

Another vendor, Mrs. Judith Amen, highlighted that top-quality tomatoes remain fairly expensive, with a 50kg basket priced between N35,000 and N37,000.

Consumers have shared their experiences with the surplus as well. Mrs. Catherine Eigbedion from Agege expressed her frustration with preserving tomatoes because of inconsistent electricity supply.

“Tomatoes are currently affordable, but for those with unreliable electricity, preserving them without freezing poses a challenge,” Eigbedion stated.

In a similar vein, Mrs. Ebere Dudu from Dopemu advised families to anticipate future price increases by purchasing and preserving tomatoes. “I recently bought a small basket for N3,000; just months ago, the same amount was priced at N8,000 to N9,000. Now is the time to prepare for what’s ahead,” she remarked.