Tomato Prices Expected to Remain Stable During Upcoming Ramadan Season
The National Tomatoes Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has announced that tomato prices across the country are unlikely to experience the typical seasonal increase during the forthcoming Ramadan fast. This prediction marks a significant departure from previous years when prices traditionally surged during the holy month.
Favorable Harvest Conditions and Timing
According to Rabiu Zuntu, the association's Kaduna State chairman, this year's situation differs substantially from previous Ramadan periods. Favorable harvest conditions combined with the timing of Ramadan coinciding with peak tomato harvest season are expected to maintain price stability. Zuntu explained this development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noting that farmers are currently recording high yields across major producing states.
"In previous years, tomato and pepper prices typically increased during Ramadan due to reduced supply," Zuntu stated. "However, this year's situation is different as farmers are recording high yields and the fasting period coincides with peak harvest season."
Increased Cultivation and Supply Dynamics
The association reports that increased cultivation has led to abundant tomato supplies throughout Nigeria. This surge in production comes despite ongoing challenges such as the Tuta absoluta pest, which frequently affects tomato farms. Many farmers shifted to vegetable cultivation, particularly in northern states, following poor returns last year due to low produce prices and rising input costs.
Zuntu elaborated on the supply-demand dynamics: "The price of tomatoes is largely determined by demand and supply. When supply is high, prices naturally fall." He emphasized that Nigerians should not anticipate price increases during the fasting period, contrary to traditional expectations.
Current Market Prices and Regional Variations
Current market figures reveal significant regional price variations:
- In northern markets, a 50kg basket of tomatoes sells for between N7,000 and N10,000, depending on size and variety
- The same basket recently sold for as low as N5,000 in recent weeks
- In southern markets, prices range between N18,000 and N20,000 for a 50kg basket due to transportation and logistics costs
Ramadan Timing and Demand Patterns
This year's Ramadan is expected to run between February and March, aligning perfectly with peak tomato harvests in states such as Kaduna and Kano. Historically, Ramadan typically begins around April, a period associated with low market supply following the main harvest season. The timing shift significantly impacts market dynamics.
Zuntu further explained that demand for food items, including tomatoes, often declines during Ramadan because Muslims skip breakfast and lunch. This reduced consumption pattern, combined with increased supply, creates downward pressure on prices.
Government Support and Future Outlook
The association has commended its national leadership for engaging with government authorities to support vegetable farmers. NAPTAN has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assist farmers ahead of the 2026 planting season, particularly with access to essential farm inputs.
This development comes as astronomy predictions indicate Ramadan 2025 will begin on February 19, offering shorter fasting hours after several years of longer summer fasts. Daily fasting durations across most Arab countries are expected to range between 12 and 13 hours due to the seasonal shift toward late winter.
The stable price prediction represents positive news for Nigerian consumers and reflects changing agricultural patterns in the country's tomato production sector.
