Nigeria’s tomato shortage drives efforts to boost production

NIGERIA – Nigeria is facing a dual challenge of a significant tomato shortfall and soaring prices, which has led to increased efforts to boost production.

Despite the country’s strengths in vegetable farming, issues such as pest invasions, post-harvest losses, and seasonal fluctuations have severely impacted tomato output.

As a result, the cost of tomatoes has surged by over 100 percent year-to-date, causing a noticeable strain on household budgets and culinary practices.

The rising cost of tomatoes means that a N1,000 (USD 0.63) purchase is no longer sufficient to cover a week’s worth of meals. This has forced many Nigerian households to reconsider their food budgets and explore alternative ingredients.

With inflation pressures compounding the issue—reaching the highest levels in five years according to the National Bureau of Statistics—fresh tomatoes have become less accessible.

In response to the scarcity, Nigerians are turning to alternatives like tomato paste to replicate the taste of fresh tomatoes.

Gino tomato paste, along with its variations such as Gino Pepper & Onion and Gino Party Jollof, offers a more affordable solution. Some are also using red bell peppers to mimic the taste and color of tomatoes in their dishes.

Efforts to boost production

To address the tomato shortage, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched a program to support tomato farmers in Edo State.

Over 500 smallholder farmers have received seeds as part of the initiative, which is aimed at increasing tomato production and reducing market prices. Samuel Owoicho, the State Director, facilitated the seed distribution through the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

This effort seeks to boost local tomato production and improve national food security.

Owoicho praised Nigeria’s fertile soil and favorable climate, noting that the initiative aligns with the country’s agricultural potential.

The program includes training on best practices for tomato cultivation to ensure high yields and quality. Collaborations with research institutions and seed companies have led to the development of improved seed varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and well-suited to the local climate.

Additionally, the government is providing subsidized access to fertilizers, pesticides, and other essential farming resources to ease the financial burden on farmers. Bako Dogwo, the state Chairman of AFAN, commended the government’s efforts.

He highlighted the potential of the initiative to enhance tomato cultivation, reduce reliance on imports, and ultimately help lower the cost of tomatoes in the market.

The combination of these efforts aims to stabilize tomato prices and support Nigeria’s agricultural sector amid current challenges.

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