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 of TOPAN, Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview on Friday in Lagos.

Mr Zuntu noted that although there is no particular time for the tomato planting season up north, seasonal weather variations can affect its production.

“Although we can plant tomatoes all year round, we cannot assure a quality harvest all year round. Some farmers are harvesting now, while others are transplanting.

“Tomatoes are still available for sale, but the price of the produce is gradually increasing,” he said.

“Come May/June, the prices of tomatoes will be very high, so now is a good time to stock up on 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 temperatures,” Mr Zuntu said.

Mr Zuntu said the price of tomatoes has started rising 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 parts of Kano State, where there is a bumper harvest, they are rounding off their harvest. So, tomatoes are not readily available there, and most buyers have turned to where they can find them 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 are determined by the law of supply and demand,” he said.

NAN reports that a 50kg basket of tomatoes in Lagos currently sells between N40,000 and N60,000, depending on size and quality.

(NAN)