Tomato Prices Crash As Glut Hits Markets

The price of tomatoes has significantly dropped in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, with farmers attributing this to a glut in the market resulting from the current harvest season.

A tomato glut occurs when the production of tomatoes surpasses the market demand, often causing prices to plummet.

This is a common phenomenon in Nigeria, usually happening annually between January and March. During this period, tomatoes are in excess supply, leading to a sharp drop in prices. For instance, the price of a 50kg basket of tomatoes now ranges between N10,000 and N12,000 depending on the species, with a 25kg plastic crate of tomatoes selling for N6,000 to N7,000 in the northern parts of Nigeria.

In Lagos, the price of a large basket of tomatoes has dropped to between N13,000 and N15,000, a significant reduction from the N140,000 to N150,000 it cost in May 2024.

Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, the Chairman of the Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, explained that the price drop was a direct result of the harvest season. He highlighted that a key challenge in the tomato sector is the issue of post-harvest losses, as the glut often leads to nearly 50% of tomatoes being wasted due to a lack of adequate storage facilities, cold rooms, and other preservation technologies. He further encouraged consumers to take advantage of the surplus and preserve as much as they could for later use, as prices are expected to rise when the glut ends.

Zuntu noted, “One of the problems we face in the tomato sector is that the period from January, February and March is that of tomato glut (excess harvest of tomatoes). This tomato glut usually leads to almost 50 percent post-harvest losses because we lack storage facilities, cold rooms, and other technologies to preserve the tomato and other vegetables. Presently, we only have few functioning tomato processing facilities to help reduce our post-harvest losses we witness annually. We usually advise consumers this period to preserve as much tomatoes as they can to cushion the effect when the produce gets expensive later in the year.”

He also suggested that consumers could use simple methods to preserve tomatoes, such as blending, boiling, and storing them in airtight jars, which can last for up to six months when prepared properly. Another preservation method Zuntu mentioned involves burying the tomatoes underground in a humid environment to keep them fresh until needed. However, he cautioned that these methods may not be suitable for large-scale preservation.

In Lagos, some tomato vendors acknowledged the price drop and emphasized the need for consumers to stock up while the prices remain low. Mrs. Queen Oloyede, a trader in the Surulere area, confirmed that the price of tomatoes had fallen due to the harvest season, noting, “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 vendor, Mrs. Judith Amen, shared that the highest quality tomatoes at Mile 12 market are still priced between N35,000 and N37,000 for a 50kg basket. “People should preserve the quantity they can buy,” she advised.

Several consumers also weighed in on the price drop and their efforts to preserve tomatoes. Mrs. Catherine Eigbedion, a resident of Agege in Lagos, expressed concern over the inconsistent electricity supply, which hampers her ability to preserve tomatoes. She said, “With tomatoes in surplus this period and at a favorable price, it is advisable to buy in bulk and stock for the scarce days. Not everyone knows the local preservation techniques due to the inconsistent electricity situation. I just buy enough to last me for a week. If I know how to preserve tomatoes without freezing them, I will buy more.”

Similarly, Mrs. Ebere Dudu, a housewife in Dopemu, acknowledged the affordability of tomatoes at present but noted the unpredictability of prices. She said, “We are glad that there are enough fresh tomatoes in the market and very affordable. Because we cannot predict the price of tomatoes in the coming months, I buy as much as I can and preserve for the rainy days. 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.”

Mrs. Queen Akpan also commented on the current tomato prices, saying, “We are enjoying the abundance and the affordable price of tomatoes in the market currently. If I can afford to buy in bulk, I will do so and save funds for the days it will become expensive.”

With the ongoing glut, consumers are advised to take advantage of the surplus, preserving tomatoes for future use, as the price is expected to rise once the glut ends.

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