2026 Ramadan Set To Bring Tomato Price Fall, Say Market Experts

The Tomatoes Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria has dismissed fears of rising tomato and vegetable prices during the upcoming Ramadan fast, predicting that a bumper harvest and market timing will likely push prices down.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kaduna State Chairman of the association, Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.

Zuntu explained that, unlike previous years when tomato and pepper prices surged during Ramadan, this year’s fasting period coincides with peak harvest season in many northern states.

“Last year’s planting and harvest season was not very profitable for farmers due to low produce prices and high input costs,” he said.

He added that vegetable prices could fall further during the fasting period due to increased cultivation and supply.

“The prices of vegetable crops will likely drop this Ramadan because more vegetables are being cultivated to meet demand for breaking the fast. Overall, production typically decreases when consumption drops, as Muslims skip breakfast and lunch. So, tomato prices may crash during Ramadan,” Zuntu said.

He stressed that the cost of farm produce is largely determined by supply and demand.

“When supply is high, prices naturally fall,” he explained.

Zuntu noted that many northern farmers shifted to vegetable cultivation last year following a decline in grain prices, leading to higher yields despite challenges from the Tuta absoluta pest.

He added that Ramadan usually begins around April, when supply is low and harvests are over, causing prices to rise. However, this year, the fasting period, expected from February to March, coincides with peak tomato harvests in states such as Kaduna and Kano.

“In northern states like Kaduna and Kano, where harvesting is still ongoing, tomato prices may drop even further. Nigerians should not expect price increases during Ramadan because demand will decline due to fasting, while supply remains high,” he said.

Zuntu also shared current market prices, noting that a 50kg basket of tomatoes sells for ₦7,000 to ₦10,000 in the northern regions, depending on size and species. “A few weeks ago, the same basket sold for as low as ₦5,000. Due to logistics, prices in other regions can reach ₦18,000 to ₦20,000 per basket,” he added.

The association appealed to the Federal Government to support vegetable farmers ahead of the 2026 planting season.

“We appreciate the efforts of the national leadership of the tomato farmers’ association in engaging the government to ease farmers’ hardships. We also call on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assist vegetable farmers in the 2026 planting season, especially in providing farm inputs,” Zuntu said.

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