A surplus of tomatoes in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has led to a significant drop in prices, with a big basket now selling for as low as ₦3,000, compared to ₦80,000 just a few months ago. This price crash has been attributed to a simultaneous harvest from major tomato-producing areas, including Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Bauchi, bringing an overwhelming supply to markets like Farin Gada.
Traders and farmers say the price drop, which began in January, is causing distress among tomato growers, many of whom took loans to fund their farming. With high production costs and no proper storage facilities, farmers are forced to sell at low prices, leading to heavy losses.
While buyers are thrilled with the affordability, farmers worry about recovering their investments. Some say they might abandon tomato farming if such losses continue. Market stakeholders predict prices may rise again by March, but for now, consumers are taking advantage of the bargain while farmers struggle to stay afloat.
