Jos: A basket of Tomatoes now sell for 3000, compared to 80,000 previously
A surplus of tomatoes in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has caused a significant drop in prices. Currently, a basket of tomatoes can be purchased for as low as ₦3,000
The price range is mostly around ₦3,000 to ₦4,0006. The crash in price is attributed to a simultaneous harvest from major tomato-producing areas, such as Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Bauchi, leading to an overwhelming supply in markets like Farin Gada.
Traders and farmers indicate that the price decline, which started in January, is causing hardship among tomato growers, many of whom acquired loans to finance their agricultural pursuits. Due to elevated production costs and restricted storage capacity, farmers are obliged to sell at low prices, resulting in significant financial losses.
The affordability of tomatoes is pleasing buyers, but farmers are troubled by the prospect of recovering their investments, with some considering the cessation of tomato farming if losses continue. Market stakeholders expect prices to increase again by March, but currently, consumers are profiting from the low prices while farmers grapple with sustaining their businesses.
