The recent surge in the prices of tomatoes and peppers in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has left many residents shocked,Daily Trust reports.
Plateau State, known for its favorable weather and fertile soil, produces large quantities of these commodities during both the rainy and dry seasons. Despite this, residents can no longer afford tomatoes and peppers due to the steep price increases, which also affects other parts of the country that rely on Plateau State for supply.
The price hike has significantly impacted consumers, traders, restaurateurs, and other businesses that rely on these staples. Restaurants and food vendors are struggling to maintain their menus, and consumers are forced to find alternative ingredients or reduce their consumption, with some even cooking without tomatoes.
ALSO READ: Bauchi Commissioner Dies In Car Crash
Stakeholders at Farin Gada, a popular perishable market, noted that although the cost of goods and services has been rising, the recent increase in the price of tomatoes, peppers, and other perishable items is unprecedented. Nasiru Sani, a stakeholder and the immediate past chairman of the market, told Daily Trust on Sunday, “The price of tomatoes has soared to the highest level in nearly two decades. A large basket sells for between N80,000 and N100,000, while the smallest basket costs N26,000. A regular bag of peppers now sells for N60,000, compared to the previous price of N16,000.”
This drastic price increase is attributed to a severe supply shortage, exacerbated by the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has had a ripple effect across the agricultural value chain. Farmers face higher costs, which are passed on to consumers.
Sani explained, “The removal of the subsidy has led to these high prices. Farmers now buy petrol at higher prices to irrigate their farms and purchase other inputs. The increased transportation costs must be factored into the final prices. Previously, farmers did not consider fuel a significant expense, but now it consumes a substantial part of their budget. Farmers must cover these costs to avoid losses, which has led to higher produce prices.”
Due to the high costs, many farmers did not cultivate crops, leading to a scarcity of commodities in the market. Buyers now go directly to farms to purchase produce, cutting transportation costs and securing better prices. This trend has disrupted the traditional supply chain, leaving market sellers without products and affecting their income.
Usman Ya’u, a tomato seller, said, “We don’t have products in the market because there is a supply shortage. Farmers sell directly to buyers at the farms, which saves on transportation costs and allows them to sell at better prices. However, even on the farms, the products are expensive.”
To remedy the situation, Sani suggested that the government should reinstate the fuel subsidy to lower farming costs and increase supply, leading to price reductions. He also recommended investing in irrigation infrastructure and mechanization to reduce reliance on expensive inputs.
In the short term, the government could provide support to farmers through loans and grants, reduce taxes on agricultural inputs, and increase the supply of tomatoes and peppers through imports or other measures. Sani emphasized, “The price hike is a direct result of the subsidy removal, and reversing this decision is crucial to bringing prices down.”
