- Tomato Prices Likely to Drop During Ramadan, Farmers Assure Nigerians
- Farmers say high supply will drive prices down
- Association urges government support ahead of 2026 planting season
The Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has dismissed concerns over a possible rise in tomato and vegetable prices during the forthcoming Ramadan fast, citing favourable harvest conditions and market timing.
The Kaduna State Chairman of the association, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Zuntu said unlike previous years when prices surged during Ramadan, the 2026 fasting period coincides with peak harvest season in several northern states, a development he believes will drive prices down.
“Last year’s planting and harvest season was not beneficial for farmers generally, considering the low price of produce and the high cost of inputs for agricultural produce,” he said.
According to him, tomato and vegetable prices may even decline further during the fasting period as cultivation increases to meet household needs for breaking the fast.
“The prices of vegetable crops will drop further this Ramadan because the cultivation of most vegetable produce may increase due to the need for some vegetables to break the fast,” Zuntu explained.
He added that food consumption patterns during Ramadan also influence pricing, noting that demand often reduces as Muslim faithful skip breakfast and lunch.
“Generally, the production of all food items decreases due to reduced consumption, and the Muslim faithful skip breakfast and lunch during the fast. So, the price of tomatoes may likely crash during Ramadan,” he said.
Zuntu stressed that market forces of demand and supply largely determine prices, adding that high supply naturally leads to lower prices.
He explained that many northern farmers shifted to vegetable farming last year after grain prices dropped, resulting in improved yields despite challenges such as the Tuta absoluta pest.
While Ramadan often begins around April when tomato supply is low, he said this year’s February to March fasting period aligns with peak harvest in states such as Kaduna and Kano.
He disclosed that a 50kg basket of tomatoes currently sells for between ₦7,000 and ₦10,000 in northern markets, though logistics push prices to between ₦18,000 and ₦20,000 in southern markets.
The association appealed to the Federal Government to support vegetable farmers ahead of the 2026 planting season, particularly through the provision of farm inputs.
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