ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s tomato farmers say prices are expected to fall in October as the next harvest season begins, offering relief to households and industries struggling with high costs. The Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOOPAN) said large harvests across northern and southwestern states will boost supply and ease pressure on the market.
TOOPAN president Oyeleke Bola explained that farmers in Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, and parts of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, and Lagos are preparing for bumper yields. Nigeria, Africa’s second‑largest tomato producer after Egypt, produces between 1.8 million and 2.3 million metric tonnes annually, with peak years reaching up to 3.6 million tonnes. Despite this, demand from consumers and food processors has outpaced supply, driving prices upward in recent months.
Farmers attribute the surge to high input costs, insecurity in producing areas, and limited access to finance. Fertilizer prices have risen due to global disruptions linked to conflicts abroad, while seed costs remain steep. Bola said the association is working with seed and fertilizer companies to make inputs more affordable and is training farmers in improved agronomic practices to boost productivity.
Small‑scale farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s tomato industry, are currently achieving yields of 25 to 35 tonnes per hectare depending on region. Bola urged Nigerians to be patient, stressing that the October harvest will bring significant relief. Analysts say stabilizing tomato prices is critical not only for household consumption but also for industries such as food processing and exports. The October harvest will be closely watched as a test of whether local farmers can overcome structural challenges and deliver on promises of lower costs.
The association’s assurances come at a time when food inflation remains a pressing issue across Nigeria, with rising costs of staples straining household budgets. International observers note that Nigeria’s ability to stabilize agricultural supply chains has implications for food security across West Africa, where tomatoes are a key ingredient in regional diets.
By October, farmers hope to demonstrate that coordinated efforts, improved practices, and partnerships with input suppliers can help ease price volatility. The outcome will be seen as a measure of how effectively Nigeria’s agricultural sector can respond to global disruptions while meeting domestic demand.
