Govt policies may affect shortage of tomato — Growers

The Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria has revealed that the Federal Government policies and other determinants may cause a shortage of tomatoes this year.

The Kano State Chairman, Alhaji Sani Yadakwari, disclosed the association has gotten firsthand information that the federal government has given approval for tomato importation to nine companies with 10 per cent duty and 20 per cent levy only, Daily Trust reports.

Yadakwari said this had reduced farmers’ interest to plant crops, adding that it would demoralise countrymen from farming this year.

Yadakwari said, “It is unfortunate that the federal government, at this point in time, had decided to approve the importation of tomato paste into the country. To be candid, our members received this information with nostalgia and it has drained all our efforts in tomato production.”

He also disclosed election time serves as a hindrance for many tomato merchants who would not dare to travel out of their domains.

Most of our members have decided not to grow tomatoes this year, and coupled with the election period, Nigeria may experience tomato shortage this year,” he added.

The chairman also said the Central Bank of Nigeria had declared a change in the recovery processes, which would compound issues for farmers.

(Punch)