Price of tomatoes crashes amid glut, post-harvest losses

The price of tomatoes has crashed in Lagos and some other parts of the country over what farmers attributed to the glut being experienced due to the harvest season. A tomato glut, which occurs annually from January to March in Nigeria, is a situation where there is an excess of tomatoes, often leading to a fall in price. This can happen when tomato plants produce more fruits than can be sold. Tomatoes sell for as low as N10,000 to 12,000 for a 50kg basket, depending on the species. A 25kg plastic crate of tomatoes sells between N6,000 and N7,000 up North. A big basket of tomatoes in Lagos goes for between N13,000 and N15,000 against N140,000 and N150,000 in May 2024. Rabiu Zuntu, the chairman, Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, attributed the development to harvest season.
“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,” Mr Zuntu said.
Some tomato vendors in Lagos State also acknowledged the price drop and the need for households to preserve the produce now that it is in surplus. Queen Oloyede, a trader in the Surulere area of the state, 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.” Another trader, Judith Amen, said the current price of the highest quality of tomatoes is still a bit expensive.
“Presently, the highest quality of tomatoes at the Mile 12 market sells between N35,000 and N37,000 for a 50kg basket. People should preserve the quantity they can buy,” Ms Amen said. Similarly, some consumers shared their experiences with journalists on the price of the produce and their preservation efforts. Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of the Agege area of the Lagos State, said the inconsistent electricity supply hinders her preservation efforts. “If I know how to preserve tomatoes without freezing them, I will buy more,” Ms Eigbedion said. On her part, 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 Duru said.
Also, Queen Akpan said if she could afford the price, she would preserve the produce for future use. If I can afford to buy in bulk, I will do so and save funds for the days it will become expensive,” Ms Akpan said.
(NAN)