The Main causes of high cost of tomato, pepper – Mile 12 Market Chairman
Shehu Usman Jubrin, Chairman of Mile 12 International Market in Lagos State, has attributed the recent spike in tomato, pepper, and other perishable item prices to insecurity issues.
In an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Jubrin explained that the escalating prices are largely due to the insecurity that plagues farming regions. Currently, a small basket of tomatoes sells for about N35,000 at the market, a significant increase that has alarmed consumers.
Jubrin emphasized, “The core issue is insecurity. That’s the reality. There’s little the country can do about it. This price hike is set to continue. People are buying tomatoes at N1,000 for just three pieces. Ninety-nine percent of those in IDP camps are farmers, both men and women, who know nothing else but farming. Now, only about 1,500 out of 5,000 farmers nationwide are able to farm under severe conditions.”
He noted that some farmers are forced to negotiate with and pay bandits to access their farms and harvest crops. “In the regions where these items are sourced, farmers have to deal with bandits demanding payment to allow them to harvest and bring goods to the market,” he said.
Jubrin also mentioned other factors contributing to the price hike, such as supply shortages from northern Nigeria to the south. He pointed out that the off-season for northern tomatoes lasts from November to May, during which tomatoes from the North dominate the market. Normally, this would be supplemented by produce from Ilaro, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, Osun, and parts of Cameroon, but these substitutes have been delayed.
“As we approach the festive period, the absence of northern tomatoes and the delayed supply from other regions mean that tomatoes will remain expensive,” he added. Additionally, Jubrin highlighted that pest infestations and diseases have further reduced crop yields, exacerbating the shortage.
In summary, the combination of insecurity, supply chain disruptions, and agricultural challenges has led to the current high prices of tomatoes and peppers in Nigeria.
