Why Tomatoes Is Unusually High Right Now
If you have recently tried cooking with tomatoes, you may have noticed their scarcity and the unusually high prices. The Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria attributes this price surge to a widespread infestation of local farms by the pest known as Tuta Absoluta.
The Culprit: Tuta Absoluta
Tuta Absoluta, commonly referred to as the Tomato Leaf Miner, is a moth species in the Gelechiida pest family. This pest poses a severe threat to tomato crops in Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and both South and Central America. The larvae of Tuta Absoluta can cause up to 100% crop loss if not effectively controlled.
Impact on Nigerian Farms
The Kaduna State chairman of the Tomato Growers Association, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, discussed the situation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. He explained that the current price hike is due to a significant drop in supply caused by the devastation of many tomato farms by Tuta Absoluta.
“This has made the demand for tomatoes higher than supply, hence the price hike,” Zuntu noted. “We presently have low yields in our farms. A lot of tomato farms have been destroyed by these insects due to the hot weather in the north.”
Timing and Temperature
Tuta Absoluta typically attacks tomato farms around April and May, especially during the hot season when tomatoes are ready for harvest. The high temperatures in northern Nigeria this season have exacerbated the situation, making the farms more vulnerable to infestation.
Delayed Interventions
To combat this pest, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security provided some interventions. However, Zuntu pointed out that these measures came too late, as most farmers had already lost their crops. “If the interventions and chemicals came earlier, we would have been able to prevent the current situation,” he said.
Economic Impact
The delayed response has led to a significant increase in tomato prices. Currently, a 50 kg basket of tomatoes sells for around N80,000 in the north, while a 25 kg crate costs between N40,000 and N50,000, depending on the size. Just two weeks ago, the prices were considerably lower, with a 25 kg basket selling for N14,000 and a 50 kg basket for N28,000 to N30,000.
Looking Ahead
The association hopes to prevent a recurrence of this infestation by next year, aiming for timely interventions and effective pest control measures. As the situation unfolds, consumers can expect tomato prices to remain high until the pest issue is adequately addressed and farm yields return to normal.
Stay updated on this developing story to know when tomato prices may stabilize again.