Tomato prices during Ramadan may fall as bumper harvest and early fast boost supply, says farmers’ association in Kaduna

The Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has assured consumers that tomato prices during Ramadan are likely to fall rather than rise this year due to a bumper harvest and the timing of the fast.

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The Kaduna State Chairman of the association, Rabiu Zuntu, gave the assurance on Sunday in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

Rabiu Zuntu said that unlike previous years when prices of tomatoes and peppers surged during Ramadan, market conditions in 2026 favour increased supply and reduced demand.

Rabiu Zuntu explained that last year’s low grain prices encouraged many northern farmers to cultivate more vegetables, leading to high yields despite the impact of the Tuta absoluta virus.

He said Ramadan typically begins around April when tomato supply is low because the harvest season has ended. This year, however, the fast will run from February to March, coinciding with the peak harvest period in states such as Kaduna and Kano.

Rabiu Zuntu said the overlap between Ramadan and the harvest window means tomato prices during Ramadan could “crash further” as supply remains high across northern markets.

He added that food consumption patterns during the fast also reduce demand, as many Muslims skip breakfast and lunch, leading to lower overall market activity.

According to Rabiu Zuntu, a 50 kilogram basket of tomatoes currently sells for between N7,000 and N10,000 in the north, depending on size and species.

He noted that the same quantity sold for as low as N5,000 in recent weeks, while transportation costs push prices to between N18,000 and N20,000 in southern markets.

Rabiu Zuntu appealed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to support vegetable farmers in the 2026 planting season through improved access to farm inputs.