“Tomato Crisis: FG Unveils High-Yield Varieties After Identifying Root Causes of Price Hike”

In 2024, Nigeria experienced a dramatic 300% increase in tomato prices, severely impacting households and food vendors nationwide. A combination of pest infestations, climate challenges, and infrastructural issues contributed to this surge. In response, the Federal Government (FG) has introduced high-yield tomato seedlings as part of a comprehensive strategy to stabilize the market and enhance food security.

Unraveling the Causes of the Price Surge

The primary catalyst for the tomato price hike was the outbreak of Tuta absoluta, commonly referred to as “Tomato Ebola.” This destructive pest ravaged tomato farms across key producing states, including Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Gombe, leading to significant crop losses. The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) estimated losses amounting to ₦1.3 billion due to this infestation. 

Compounding the pest problem were climatic factors. The rainy season brought excessive moisture, creating favorable conditions for pests and diseases while hindering tomato cultivation. Additionally, high temperatures during the dry season attracted pests like Tuta absoluta, exacerbating crop destruction.

Transportation challenges further strained the supply chain. Poor road infrastructure and increased fuel costs, especially following the removal of fuel subsidies, escalated the cost of moving tomatoes from northern farms to southern markets. Reports indicated that transporting 335 to 370 baskets of tomatoes to Lagos could cost between ₦3.1 million and ₦3.3 million, factoring in loading fees and unofficial levies.

Market dynamics also played a role. Speculative practices by traders, including hoarding, created artificial scarcities, driving prices even higher. Inadequate storage facilities led to significant post-harvest losses, reducing the volume of tomatoes reaching consumers.

Federal Government’s Intervention: High-Yield Seedlings

In response to the crisis, the FG, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has introduced high-yield, pest-resistant tomato seedlings to bolster production. These improved varieties are designed to withstand pests like Tuta absoluta and adapt to Nigeria’s diverse climatic conditions.

The initiative includes distributing these seedlings to farmers in affected regions, coupled with training programs on modern farming techniques and integrated pest management. By enhancing farmers’ capacity to cultivate resilient tomato varieties, the FG aims to increase supply, stabilize prices, and reduce dependency on imports.

Looking Ahead

While the introduction of high-yield seedlings is a positive step, experts emphasize the need for a holistic approach to prevent future crises. Recommendations include:

• Infrastructure Development: Improving road networks to facilitate efficient transportation of agricultural produce

• Storage Facilities: Investing in modern storage solutions to minimize post-harvest losses.

• Research and Development: Supporting agricultural research institutions to develop and disseminate resilient crop varieties.

• Policy Implementation: Ensuring timely distribution of farming inputs and enforcing regulations against market manipulation.

By addressing these areas, Nigeria can build a more resilient agricultural sector, ensuring food security and economic stability for its population.