The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria has predicted an increased supply of the produce ahead of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Chairman of the association, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.

Zuntu told NAN that the price of the produce would gradually decline due to increased supply ahead of festivities. He stated, “Actually, the price of tomatoes is presently down, and most times it is influenced by the forces of demand and supply. The higher the supply, the lower the price, and vice versa.”

The Chairman provided specific details on the price drop, noting, “Presently, the volume of supply is increasing, and the price has gone down considerably. Up north last week, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sold between N25,000 and N30,000 compared with N40,000 and N60,000 weeks back.” He further reported, “Currently, the same quantity of tomatoes sells between N15,000 and N16,000 up north.” Concluding his prediction, the chairman said, “So, with the increased supply of tomatoes currently, there is going to be enough for Christmas and New Year celebrations.”

He disclosed that more farmers were yet to harvest their produce at the moment. Zuntu added, “Actually, we are going to have enough because, looking at the farming situation and the level of maturity or ripeness of the tomato ready for harvesting.” He confirmed that, “There are some farm areas that have not yet started harvesting, and with those who have started, the quantity will continue to increase towards the Christmas and the New Year celebrations.”

NAN reported that a 50kg basket of tomatoes in Lagos currently sells between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 at the moment. This price range was against sales of between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000 plus in the previous months. Similarly, a crate of tomatoes is presently sold in Lagos between ₦15,000 and ₦18,000.