The Tomatoes Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has assured Nigerians that the current high prices of tomatoes are expected to decline considerably from late July as the wet-season harvest begins.
The Kaduna State Chairman of TOPAN, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
NAN reports that tomato prices have risen sharply since early May, following the end of the dry-season harvest and reduced supply.
A 50kg basket of tomatoes, which sold for between N18,000 and N20,000 in January, now costs between N100,000 and N130,000, depending on the variety.
Similarly, a 25kg crate currently sells for between N50,000 and N70,000 at wholesale markets in Lagos.
