Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
KADUNA, Nigeria – Nigerians could begin to experience relief from soaring tomato prices from August as fresh wet-season harvests enter markets across the country, the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has said.
The Kaduna State Chairman, TOPAN, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, on Sunday said the current surge in prices is largely seasonal and is expected to decline once farmers begin harvesting wet-season crops.
Tomato prices have risen sharply since the end of the dry-season harvest in May, with a 50-kilogram basket now selling for between ₦100,000 and ₦130,000 compared to ₦18,000 and ₦20,000 earlier in the year.
In Lagos markets, a 25-kilogram crate currently sells for between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000.
Zuntu said fresh supplies expected from August would significantly improve market availability and ease pressure on consumers.
“The increase in prices is temporary. Once the wet-season harvest begins, we expect prices to fall considerably,” he said.
He attributed the recurring shortages to climate-related factors, including extreme heat and irregular rainfall patterns affecting major producing states such as Kaduna and Kano.
According to him, the adoption of flood-resistant tomato varieties has enabled many farmers to continue cultivation during the rainy season.
Without the improved seedlings, he said consumers might have waited until October or November before seeing any reduction in prices.
Zuntu also called for greater investment in cold-chain storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise supplies throughout the year.
He urged government and private investors to support farmers with improved seeds, fertilisers and agrochemicals to strengthen the tomato value chain and improve food security.
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