Tomato farmers under the umbrella of the Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOOPAN) have assured Nigerians that the current high cost of tomatoes will reduce significantly by October 2026 as fresh harvests enter the market.
The President of TOOPAN, Mr. Oyeleke Bola, explained that the current supply of tomatoes is insufficient to meet the growing demand from consumers and processing industries that rely on the crop as a major raw material.
Despite challenges affecting the sector, Nigeria remains the second-largest tomato producer in Africa after Egypt, producing between 1.8 million and 2.3 million metric tonnes annually, with output reaching as high as 3.6 million metric tonnes during peak harvest seasons.
Bola said the expected increase in production during the next harvest season would boost supply and help bring down market prices.
“We are looking at October 2026 when prices are expected to crash. October is the next major harvesting period, and there will be large harvests across the country. As more tomatoes enter the market, supply will improve and prices will naturally come down,” he said.
He noted that farmers in major tomato-producing states, including Jos, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, would begin harvesting during the period. He added that farmers in the South-West, particularly in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and parts of Lagos State, including Badagry and Epe, would also contribute significantly to the supply.
Bola commended small-scale farmers for their efforts and appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as stakeholders work to address challenges affecting tomato production.
“Our farmers are working very hard. We need collective efforts from all stakeholders to solve the problems facing the sector and ensure tomatoes become more affordable for consumers,” he stated.
According to him, tomato yields currently range between 25 and 35 tonnes per hectare. Farmers in northern states record between 30 and 35 tonnes per hectare, while those in the South-West achieve yields of between 20 and 30 tonnes per hectare.
The TOOPAN president attributed the recent increase in tomato prices to several factors, including the rising cost of farm inputs, insecurity in farming communities, expensive seeds, poor access to finance, and other production-related challenges.
He also noted that the high cost of fertilisers, many of which are imported, has affected cultivation and reduced the number of farmers willing to invest in tomato production.
Bola, however, said the association is taking steps to tackle these challenges through partnerships with seed and fertiliser companies to make farm inputs more affordable for farmers.
He added that TOOPAN is also providing farmers with training on modern agronomic practices aimed at improving productivity and increasing tomato output across the country.
Tomato Prices Expected to Drop by October 2026 — Farmers
