By MERCY OMOIKE

The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has predicted a steady increase in the price of the produce between May and June 2026.

The Kaduna State Chairman TOPAN, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Zuntu noted that although there is no particular time for tomatoes planting season up north, seasonal weather variations can affect the production of the produce.

“Although we can plant tomatoes all-year-round, we cannot assure quality harvest all-year-round.

“Some farmers are harvesting now, while others are transplanting, and others are harvesting.

“Tomatoes are still available for sale but the price of the produce is gradually on the increase.

“Come May/June, the prices of tomatoes will be very expensive, so now is a good time to stock up the produce. There’s always a scarcity within that period.

“This is because of the nature of the weather in the north around that period, the weather is usually very hot and tomatoes cannot resist such hot temperature,” he said.

Zuntu said the price of tomatoes have started rising up in the north.

“A 50kg rafia basket of tomatoes sells from N20,000 as against N7,000 to N10,000 that was sold earlier in the year.

“While a crate of tomatoes up north is sold between N10,000 and N15,000 as against N5,000 to N6,500 sold earlier in the year.

“In most part of Kano State, where there is bumper harvest, they are rounding off their harvest. So, tomato is not that available there and most buyers have turned to where they can find it now, mostly within Kaduna State and some parts of Plateau State.

“So, that’s why the supply has decreased and the tomato supply and cost is determined by the law of demand and supply,” he said.

NAN reports that a 50kg basket of tomatoes in Lagos, at the moment, sells between N40,000 and N60,000 depending on the size and quality. (NAN)