The cost of a basket of tomatoes in Jos, Plateau State, has significantly dropped from ₦31,000 in December 2024 to as low as ₦15,000 in March 2025. This incredible decrease has caused both joy and displeasure throughout the state. This substantial price reduction is primarily due to an oversupply in the market caused by beneficial dry-season farming practices that have increased tomato production.

Local government areas such as Mangu, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Jos North, and Jos South have all contributed to the surplus, with tomatoes flooding the markets at unprecedented levels. The influx has driven down the prices of both large and small baskets of tomatoes.

In December 2024, a large basket of tomatoes cost between ₦31,000 and ₦33,000, but by March 2025, the price had decreased to between ₦15,000 and ₦18,000. Previously selling for between ₦12,000 and ₦13,000, the smaller basket is now available for as little as ₦5,500. Although consumers have benefited unexpectedly from this sudden drop, farmers and businessmen who have heavily invested in their crops are not celebrating the occasion.

The markets in the Jos metropolis, including well-known centres such as Building Materials, Farin Gada, and Taminus, are experiencing the consequences of this price drop. Retail prices have been significantly reduced, and many customers are satisfied with the bargains available.

For example, Cynthia Chukwuka, a regular shopper, shared her delight with the price reductions. “The current prices allow me to purchase in larger quantities, benefiting my household. I can now stock up on tomatoes and even experiment with new recipes,” she told BusinessDay in an interview.

While the shoppers are taking advantage of the price cuts,the farmers and traders find themselves in a difficult situation. For many of them, the sharp price drop means they are selling their produce at a loss. Shehu Ibrahim, a farmer in the state, expressed his frustration.

Despite these challenges, the farmers are not without hope. Some are calling for greater government intervention to help stabilise prices and ensure farmers can cover their costs. According to Aware, “There needs to be a balance between supply and demand so that we don’t end up losing all the investments we’ve made into our farms.”

The role of the Plateau State government in these developments cannot be understated. In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay, Ishaku Bugama, the Plateau State commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, discussed the government’s efforts to boost tomato production.

He attributed the current surplus to a range of strategic interventions spearheaded by Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.

“We have seen a concerted effort to increase tomato production in Plateau State,” Bugama explained.

He said, “When Governor Mutfwang took office, he recognised that agriculture, especially tomatoes and vegetables, should be prioritised. He established a dedicated crop zone for tomatoes, which significantly boosted local production. These initiatives have been a key factor in the reduction of tomato prices in the state.”

Bugama’s statements shed light on the broader context of the state’s agricultural policy, which aims to achieve food security and economic stability by promoting local farming. According to Bugama, the interventions have not only led to an increase in production but also contributed to the reduction in tomato prices, much to the benefit of consumers.

“The efforts of Governor Mutfwang have led to an increase in local production of tomatoes, and this has made it possible for consumers to access cheaper tomatoes. It is a win-win for the people of Plateau. While consumers are able to purchase tomatoes at affordable prices, the state’s agricultural economy is being bolstered,” he added.

For the state government, the agricultural boom represents a success in its strategy to improve farmers’ livelihoods, but it also highlights the challenges of balancing production with market demand. The state’s intervention, particularly in creating more opportunities for local tomato farming, has certainly boosted supply, but it has also underscored the need for measures to stabilise market prices.

The surplus in tomato production is not unique to Plateau State. Across the country, the dry season farming cycle often leads to bumper harvests, followed by market gluts and price reductions. This pattern is seen as both a blessing and a curse for farmers. On one hand, it ensures that crops are available year-round. Still, on the other hand, it can lead to financial instability if the oversupply causes prices to drop too drastically.

The question remains: how can the government better assist farmers in navigating the challenges posed by these market fluctuations? Some suggest that the government could provide more training and resources on post-harvest management and storage to help preserve the excess produce, which could then be sold at more stable prices. Others argue that the government should explore options to help farmers diversify their crops, thus reducing their reliance on a single commodity like tomatoes.

The future of tomato production in Plateau State is now questionable. While the state’s agricultural policies have resulted in remarkable increases in output, they have also exposed farmers’ susceptibility to uncontrollable market pressures.

Whereas farmers are having difficulty making ends meet due to the state’s current circumstances, consumers benefit from reasonable prices. It will be interesting to see how farmers, consumers, and the government adjust to this delicate equilibrium in the upcoming seasons.

The tale of Jos’s tomato prices reminds us of the dynamics of agricultural economics and the fine line separating profits and losses as the tomato glut continues to disrupt local markets.

Source: BusinessDay