The Federal Government and the Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) are collaborating to increase tomato production in Southern Nigeria.

This was revealed by Mr. Bola Oyeleke, the national president of TOPAN, during an interview in Lagos with the News Agency of Nigeria.

According to Oyeleke, increasing tomato production in the South was a proactive move by the government to combat the price increase. 

“We want to step up tomato production in the southwest, and we are doing this in partnership with the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, under the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government wants to make sure that we expand the production of tomato across the South-West and the South-East. It is being proactive before the rainy season problem, when there is usually an increase in the cost of tomatoes in the South.

“So, this year, we are preparing to make sure that we reduce the price of the produce and meet demand down South,” he said.

The TOPAN chairman said the project, which began on April 3, would be piloted in four South-Western states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti.

He said that to boost tomato production and supply to the open market at reasonable prices; the association will collaborate with farmers in these states.

According to him, on April 3, local farmers received seedling training using NIHORT-developed seeds that are highly suited to the soil in the South.

Source: NAN

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