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Tag: tomato

  • Firm moves to reduce tomato importation

    Firm moves to reduce tomato importation

    To curb heavy reliance on imported tomato products, a private agricultural consulting firm, FutuX Agri-consult Ltd, has embarked on a project to empower 10,000 smallholder tomato farmers across Kaduna, Ogun, and Lagos states.

    The initiative is part of efforts to boost local farmers’ capacity and knowledge, with the goal of increasing domestic production and reducing the country’s $500 million annual tomato purée import bill.

    According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa imported nearly 520,000 tons of tomato purée in 2021, representing 15 percent of the global volume. West Africa led this segment, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Libya among the top five African buyers.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed that Nigeria loses 45 per cent  of its 3.9 million tons of tomato harvest annually due to post-harvest waste and supply chain inefficiencies.

    A Senior Associate Consultant at FutuX, Oyewole Okewole, explained at a recent media training in Lagos that sustainable methods are crucial for Nigeria’s food security. The project’s strategy, according to Okewole, centers on sustainable agriculture, a “smarter” approach to farming that balances environmental care, social responsibility, and economic viability.

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    He highlighted key principles, including maintaining healthy soils through methods like crop rotation, improving water efficiency, fostering biodiversity, and reducing dependency on chemical inputs.

    Okewole noted that FutuX’s multi-pronged approach to supporting smallholder farmers includes capacity development to address identified skill gaps, improving farmers’ access to high-quality tomato seedlings and low-interest loans, and establishing off-take agreements to ensure a reliable market for their produce.

    He said the project in Alapoti, Ogun State, is already well underway, with the establishment of demonstration plots at 90 per cent completion and capacity development training sessions in progress for farmers and seedling vendors. He added that the organization has upskilled an additional 3,500 smallholder tomato farmers, providing seedling distribution, field establishments, farm visits, and extension services.FutuX is also implementing a Returnable Plastic Crates Model to reduce post-harvest losses. In Zaria, Kaduna, the firm has established demonstration plots that are 90 percent complete. Since its inauguration in 2017, the company has implemented projects in 28 states.

    Okewole emphasised the critical role of the media in this transition, urging journalists to act as an extension service by translating complex issues into everyday language. “The media has a responsibility to save the people, planet, and provide profit,” he said, noting that shaping the narrative can influence consumer behavior and policy toward a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for Nigeria.

    He noted that the partnership is essential for building a more secure and prosperous future for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

  • Tomato farmers seek Fed Govt’s intervention to reduce post-harvest loss

    Tomato farmers seek Fed Govt’s intervention to reduce post-harvest loss

    The National Tomato Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria is seeking the federal government’s intervention to reduce post-harvest losses. During an interview in Lagos, NATPAN chairman in Kaduna, Rabiu Zuntu, noted that the government’s intervention would help the sector to cut down on post-harvest losses.

    He said that with the appropriate equipment and facilities, tomato farmers would reduce post-harvest losses of the produce. He said this would increase value addition and enhance the sector’s growth.

    “Most farmers cannot afford loans for this equipment to aid reduction of post-harvest losses because they are smallholder farmers. The government can help tomato farmers reduce post-harvest losses by coming to their aid with interventions.”

    “One of the ways to reduce post-harvest losses in tomato cultivation is to increase the use of plastic crates in the transportation of the produce from the farm to the market, from the north to other parts of the country.

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    With the use of plastic crates for the transportation of tomatoes from one part of Nigeria to the other, the rate of post-harvest losses will be reduced,” the chairman said.

    According to him, the association is in various partnerships to help smallholder tomato farmers reduce costs via mechanised farming.

    “As an association, we are in partnership with some existing and new processing facilities to cut down post-harvest losses and increase the income of our farmers. With these tomato processing machines, even the glut we usually witness between January and February every year will be considerably reduced,” he explained.

    “The production of local tomato processors is one of the cleanest ways of drying tomatoes and adding value as well as increasing the farmers’ income and the growth of the sector. “Hence, the urgent need for government intervention in the sector,” Mr Zuntu added.

  • Home remedy for fresh tomato/pepper preservation

    Home remedy for fresh tomato/pepper preservation

    It is such a relief that we are no longer talking about scarcity of fresh tomatoes/peppers but we are now researching how to process and preserve the excess. This gives credence to the saying that hardship will come but will surely pass away.

    It is no longer news that the price of tomatoes and fresh peppers went up so high to the extent that many families had to resort to alternatives. This has dramatically crashed to the extent that the big basket that sold for N160 thousand naira in Lagos markets a few months ago now sells for between N21,000- N26,000.

    Many wise women/men are buying baskets of tomatoes and peppers in order to preserve for the rainy day. Fresh tomatoes/peppers are in season and readily available. Most of the farmers and traders are even begging customers to buy because they do not have facilities to preserve them.

    The question now is how do we preserve this perishable vegetable, especially in a country like ours where we cannot boast of a steady supply of electricity?

    A housewife, Mummy Kene, said that she had already bought two big baskets of tomatoes, a basket of bonnet pepper, a big basket of bell pepper, and tatase from Mile 12 market Lagos.

    I wash them very well, and take them to a big engine to blend as the quantity is too much to blend  at home

    “After blending them separately, I come home and bring the three vegetables to the boil separately after which I leave it to cool. Next, I pour them separately into a big sieve that must have tiny holes or a mesh. I left it overnight and by morning all the water would have drained out completely leaving only the tomato pulp and pepper pulp. I then portion them into different containers and leave them deep inside the freezer,” she said.

    The mother of four who said she preserves tomatoes and pepper like this every year added that once in the freezer, the tomatoes/pepper can remain frozen and fresh for over six months. “Keep the ones you will be using regularly separate and leave the ones you are saving for the rainy day deep inside the freezer or in a separate freezer,” she advised.

    In case, the all-powerful electricity provider strikes as they sometimes do for days, Mummy Kene advises that one buy ice blocks in the worst scenario. “However, if the pulp has been properly frozen for weeks, intermittent power disruptions from the electricity DISCOs will not do harm to it,” she further revealed.

    Another woman, Mrs. Inifeme Ade said that instead of sieving the tomatoes and pepper after grinding, she boils until the water dries out after which she allows the pulp to cool and then scoop into plastic containers and leave them in her freezer.

    However, some people do not even grind the fresh tomatoes/pepper. Those people just wash them, package them in nylon bags and store them in the freezer for months.

    Not everyone has a freezer of course. So another method for home preservation is drying. This can be done through the natural sun and wind or through a food dehydrator, oven, or microwave. Low humidity, low heat, and good air circulation are critical for successful drying.

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    Cut the tomatoes into slices,  one centimeter thick, leave in the open sun to dry very well, or use a food dehydrator, oven, or microwave. Once dry, store foods in a dark, cool location in containers that keep out moisture and insects.

    Tomato is a highly perishable fruit and prone to post-harvest spoilage and decay if proper handling and storage practices are not followed.

    A tomato farmer in Kwadon town of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the lack of proper storage facilities usually leads to significant losses at the end of every harvest.

    “Tomatoes are highly perishable and require specific storage conditions to remain fresh for an extended period. Without adequate storage facilities such as refrigeration or appropriate packaging, tomatoes are at risk of spoiling quickly, leading to significant losses,” he said.

    Abdullahi added that with insufficient storage capacity, farmers may not be able to store their harvested tomatoes effectively, leading to wastage. “This not only results in financial losses for the farmers but also contributes to food waste and inefficiencies in the supply chain.”

    According to him, due to the lack of storage facilities and companies that will buy the tomatoes in large quantities and process them, farmers are vulnerable to fluctuations in tomato prices.

    “Without the ability to store surplus produce during times of oversupply, usually during harvest season, and release it gradually when demand is high, farmers may face price crashes, impacting their income and sustainability.

    “As such, the lack of proper storage always limits our access to distant markets with higher demand and better prices for the tomatoes. Without adequate preservation options, farmers may be restricted to selling their produce locally, missing out on potentially profitable opportunities elsewhere,” Abdullahi lamented.

  • Tomato or tomatoes at four for N1,000: ‘potatoes’ have no ‘toes’

    Tomato or tomatoes at four for N1,000: ‘potatoes’ have no ‘toes’

    Whenever I hear Nigerian women complain nowadays about tomatoes selling for four for about #1000, and pepper almost that expensive, I remember some of my octogenarian acquaintances who are reluctant to go to bed earlier than 3 am every day. They believe that many old people die between midnight and that time due to heart attacks, strokes or  related system crashes. They remind me also of VIDA MAXX, a proprietary plant medicine made from a water-soluble tomato extract. The product literature of Vida Maxx promises that one 50mg capsule can resolve blood vessel and heart challenges for no fewer than 24 hours in one straight run.

    From these, you may appreciate why, when they were cheaper, I substituted four tomatoes for fish or beef at dinner, eating two raw for their Vitamin C and other vitamins and two parboiled for lycopene, from their heat-broken cell walls, for the health of my prostate gland. And POTATOES? The juice neutralises acidosis, eases the pain of peptic acid and other ulcers, strengthens the heart, and checks elevated blood pressure (hypertension), apart from helping to prevent unnecessary growth, tumours, and cancers. Thanks to Dr. Max Gerson, the German who taught our generation of doctors and caregivers that potassium deficiency in cells causes these abnormalities. Isn’t this worth trying by Nigerian women who, in their hundreds of thousands or millions, are today down with either breast challenges or uterine fibroids?

    DAN QUAYLE

    On a lighter note, before I proceed, my generation of septuagenarians who were media conscious in their prime time should easily remember Mr. QUAYLE. He was the United States Vice President in the administration of George H.W. Bush (1989-1993). In 1992, Dan Quayle generated a storm when he couldn’t spell TOMATO or POTATOE correctly. Dan Quayle had something to do with the American classroom.

    According to a report: “Dan Quayle, the former US Vice President, inadvertently taught Americans that “potato” has no “e” at the end, after his infamous gaffe during a spelling bee at an elementary school in New Jersey in 1992. He corrected a student, William Figueroa, who had correctly spelled “potato”, and told him to add an “e” at the end, making it “potatoe”. This mistake led to widespread mockery and ridicule, and ultimately taught Americans that “potato” indeed has no “e” at the end!

    “The school children involved in Dan Quayle’s spelling scandal were led by a 12-year-old boy named William Figueroa ¹ ² ³. During a routine campaign stop at a middle school in Trenton, New Jersey, on June 15, 1992,  Dan Quayle called upon William to spell “potato” in front of a room full of reporters. After William correctly spelled “potato,” Quayle urged him to add an “e” to the end of the word (which now made it pota-toe).  William complied, and the room erupted in applause”.

    School boy Williams Figueroa then wrote on the blackboard the spelling of TOMATOE as TOMATO. The Vice President said he blundered and proceeded to correct the spelling as TOMATO. To worsen matters, Vice President Dan Quayle said POTATOES was the correct spelling of POTATO. The United States erupted in disbelief, if not dismay. It became clear that American leaders were not the perfectionists or angels that society thought they were. Secondly, it became apparent that many Americans were as bad with spellings as Dan Quayle.

    Someone came up with a spelling formula that helped many persons. POTATO has no TOES, and so the “O” of POTATO is not followed by an “E”. The plural is POTATOS, not POTATOES, the last four letters standing for “TOES” in the formula. However, TOMATOE is the correct spelling of TOMATOE, and not TOMATO as Dan Quayle taught those school children, and the plural is TOMATOES.

    We are informed in the following report about the  possibly origin of  POTATO HAVE NO TOES:

    “The character who said potato has no toe is the “Pobble Who Has No Toes,” a fictional character in a poem by Edward Lear. The poem is about a Pobble who loses his toes and is comforted by his Aunt Jobiska, who tells him that Pobbles are happier without toes.”.

    I do not remember who caused the next earthquake in the United States corridors of power. He had been asked to name the capital of Ghana. Why he failed to know the answer, ACCRA, surprised even Africans. Guess what he gave as an answer? NIGERIA! This goof showed that American leaders thought less of Africa and knew less about Africa than they did about other peoples on Earth.

    VIDA MAXX

    With tomatoes now selling for four for 1,000 or thereabout, and thereby going out of reach of many octogenarians who eat them to prevent heart and related problems, VIDA Maxx offers a helping hand. The origin of this proprietary name from Alliance Global still eludes me. Nevertheless, I swallow one capsule at about 10 p.m., believing I would have protection for the next 24 hours, as the product literature promises. Vida Maxx is a high load of vitamins, especially Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Alliance Global says that, from 11 clinical trial results, it can sustain “normal blood circulation and help maintain healthy platelet function important to cardiovascular health”. LOSARTAN would appear to be a major factor in all of these. It is said to be good for hypertension, heart failure, and prevention of heart attack and stroke. Beyond use for high blood pressure, Vida Maxx “also protects kidney function in high blood pressure patients having diabetes and impaired kidney function (diabetic nephropathy)”. Like other prices, that of Vida Maxx has gone out of the window, beyond the reach of many persons.

    Thus, like many septuagenarians and octogenarians who love tomatoes and eat them for health purposes, I am eagerly looking forward to the end of the tomatoe blight in northern farms.

    TOMATO BLIGHT

    In Northern Nigeria, TUTA ABSOLUTA, a fungus, is wiping out tomatoes on farms, causing a shortage of tomatoes nationwide for which the government is taking several knocks every day. The government is going to ask agriculture experts for a solution. What will their solution be outside of pesticides? These pesticides will kill TUTA ABSOLUTA in the soil so we can have more tomatoes. However, the roots of the tomatoe plant will suck in some of the pesticide molecules and give them to the tomatoe leaves and fruits. That is where we lovers of tomatoes may have health challenges from. Our farmers need money. They will not care much about our health. Afterall, they sprayed pesticides on the fungi that kill such plant vegetables and fruit as  carrots, cucumbers, e.t.c and we still eat them.

    Gone are those days, it would appear, when our farmers chased away the enemies of their crops and farms using natural farming methods. For everything in Nature, there is a counterpole or antagonist. Thus, in the female human body, progesterone checks the excessiveness of estrogen, the main hormone capable of that. Similarly, magnesium puts calcium in check. Then, for example, too much calcium in the intestine causes constipation, magnesium addresses the lock down, as is observed with the intake of Phillips Milk of Magnesia (a magnesium drink) by persons of my father’s generation. Potassium checks sodium. Zinc and copper work together. For healthy vision, Vitamin A would appear ineffective in the eye, no matter how much is taken or present in the eye, where there is not enough zinc. Premature ejaculation may arise when there is to much calcium and too little magnesium in the ejaculatory nerves.

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    On the farms, plants behave somewhat like humans. Friendly humans help one another towards self-fulfillment, while antagonistic humans inhibit one another. There are, also, friendly plants and antagonistic plants. Millie Uyldert tells us about this and more in her book “PSYCHIC GARDEN….plants and their esoteric relationship with man”. Millie Uyldert gives us several examples in this book.

    She says: “It appears that woody shrubs like LAVENDER cause CUCUMBER, for example, to dry up…on the other hand, cool plants seem to find the proximity of hot plants such as the HORSE RADISH, SAGE, and the CHINESE  SPANISH RADISH very beneficial. What, afterall, goes on in the plant world, a society in itself? By watching Nature, man must discover what plants seek each other out and which avoid each other, so that we do not hinder the plant by making wrong combinations and somewhere disturb the great harmony. Mother Nature knows which plants it must combine, but man makes many mistakes through his ignorance. Man thinks he is saving work in weeding and picking by putting down rows and beds of the same crop, but this is not right. Just like man, a plant also likes to have its friends around it, which complement, and not enemies, which secret something that does them harm. Furthermore, when a crop has been harvested, a different plant must be put on the same ground, taking different substances from the soil and, from the soil, and possibly, itself putting back what was taken from the soil by its predecessor. Furthermore, it is good to know that Mother Nature has already begun to prepare the soil. We need not pull up the herbs which she has allowed to grow on it, for that would be an unnecessary duplication of work.

    Millie UYLDERT adds, in respect of TOMATO and POTATO: Tomatoes and asparagus help each other. Tomatoes benefit from stingy nettle and should not be planted near kohlrabi, fennel, potatoes, or apricot trees. The heavy scent of the tomato plant keeps many undesired insects at a distance, particularly the cabbage white caterpillar. Plant your potatoes with BROAD BEAN between them. This keeps the insects away. Border this plot with FRESH MARIGOLD, and you will never have trouble with EEL WORM, which they frighten off. HORSE RADISH at each corner of the plot keeps the POTATOES healthy. … particularly friends of the Potato, giving mutual aid, are the sunflower, which is not only a fine sight but whose seeds you can eat, dead nettle, sainfoi (a fodder clover), nasturtium, cabbage, sweet corn, and peas.

    French beans alternating with rows of potato plants seem to keep the Colorado Beetle away. These like AUBERGINE even more, planted around the potato, therefore, they draw the beetle off, and their concentration on the aubergines makes them easy to catch. Orach grows well close to potatoes, but the latter does not. They seem to thrive, orach and goosefoot growing abundantly on the potato plot, are one of Nature’s means of replenishing the soil, which the potatoes have in certain respects exhausted.

    ADA MBAMARA

    This young woman deserves recognition in this column. Her father, Joseph Mbamara, is a follower of Mother Nature and, accordingly, dispenses herbal medicines. He is from Imo State. Once in a while, Ada literally disappears to Benue State, homeland of her mother, where she learns a lot about the healing arts from those simple folks. She brings some rare seeds and plants from there, either sourced by herself or as gifts from her mother. She came over as I was writing this column last week (13 June, 2024). Millie UYLDERT’s “PSYCHIC GARDEN” excited her. Incidentally, she saw in them the gardening methods of her mother and aunt. Gladly, I do share her experiences. Her father and mother live in Orlu Umuakah Amiyi, Imo State. Mrs. Tabita Mbamara has no idea what she does on her farm. Nevertheless, she has the best yields around, for which reason she is nicknamed “The woman who works less but harvests more.” She used no fertiliser. After planting, she removed only the first growth of weeds. The next time she comes around is at harvest time. Her co-farmers, who go on weeding from time to time, discovered that Mrs. Mbamara’s crops grow better than theirs.

    Ada Mbamara’s second story is centred on OJO MILITARY CANTONMENT in Lagos. One day, a friend of her aunt noticed that pineapples and maize were growing together in her home garden, and the maize was dying at three months. This woman said maize and pineapple are not to be grown together. The leaves of the maize were turning yellow and spotting black spots. Coincidentally, maize planted in front of the house with no pineapple around it were growing better and well.

    TUTA ABSOLUTA

    At this time, many people who cannot do without the taste of tomato in their food will eat infected tomatoes, especially in outdoor cooking and bear a heavy load of toxins from fungi and many others. There will be as many others who would bear as well a heavy load of pesticides. Both groups will need to constantly detoxify their system. Happily, there are many formula for systemic detoxification in Nigeria today. Some of them include Burdock Root, Club Moss, Carqueja, Dandelion, Pure Cleanse, Intestinal Cleanse and Weight Control, Milk Thistle e.t.c. They are in the band A price category. Coming up and not less effective, though much cheaper is Detox Plus. Many persons who can hardly do without tomato taste in their food are evolving wonderful formulas, one of which is the combination of the residues of filtered juices of cucumber  and beetroot. As for pepper for its heat, digestive and circulation support as well as a soup thickener the fellowing substitute may be tried.

    Good substitutes for tomatoes and peppers depend on the recipe and desired flavour. Here are some options:

    Tomato substitutes:

    1. Cucumbers (raw or cooked)

    2. Eggplant

    3. Roasted red onions (sweet and savoury)

    4. Fresh pineapple

    5. Mango (in salsas or salads)

    6. Pawpaw grind Pawpaw seeds (Papaya)

    Pepper substitutes:

    1. Cucumbers (raw or cooked)

    2. Eggplant

    3. Carrots (raw or cooked)

    4. Radishes (raw or cooked)

    5. Okra (as thickner)

    Remember, each substitute has a unique flavor and texture, so adjust the recipe accordingly.Happy cooking!

    A nutrition report once:

     “ Eating rotten tomatoes in food can have several health consequences, including:

    1. Food poisoning: Rotten tomatoes can harbour harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause food poisoning.

    2. Gastrointestinal issues: Consuming rotten tomatoes can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating.

    3. Infections: In severe cases, the bacteria from rotten tomatoes can cause infections like sep-ticemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis.

    4. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to mold or bacteria in rotten tomatoes, which can trigger allergic reactions like hives, itching, or swelling.

    5. Digestive problems: Rotten tomatoes can irritate the digestive system, leading to long-term issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

    6. Liver damage: In rare cases, consuming rotten tomatoes contaminated with certain toxins can cause liver damage or failure.

    7. Kidney damage: Prolonged consumption of rotten tomatoes can lead to kidney damage or exacerbate existing kidney issues.

    8. Cancer risk: Some molds in rotten tomatoes can produce carcinogenic toxins, which may increase the risk of cancer with prolonged consumption.

    It is essential to handle and store tomatoes properly to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Always inspect tomatoes for signs of spoilage before consumption and cook them properly to kill harmful bacteria”.

    DAN QUAYLE

    I do not know where former U.S. Vice-President Quayle is today. I must thank him for the opportunity of the formula we now all have to know if the spelling of TOMATO is TOMATO or TOMATOE, or if a POTATO has a TOE or not.

  • Tomato farmers assoc. blames price hike on infestation

    Tomato farmers assoc. blames price hike on infestation

    The Tomatoes Growers Association of Nigeria has blamed the current hike in prices of the produce on ‘Tuta Absoluta,’ Sharon insects, infestation on local farms across the country.

    The Kaduna State chairman of the association, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that ‘Tuta Absoluta,’ also known as Tomato Leaf Miner, is a specie of moth in the Gelechiida pest family.

    It is a serious pest that attacks tomatoes in Europe, Africa, western Asia and South and Central America, with larvae causing up to 100 per cent loss if not effectively controlled.

    Zuntu noted that the hike in the price of tomato was due to shortage of supply caused by the destruction of many farms by the Tuta Absoluta insect.

    “This has made the demand for tomatoes higher than supply hence the price hike.

    “We presently have low yields in our farms. A lot of tomato farms have been destroyed by these insects due to the hot weather in the north.

    “Tomato farms across Kaduna and Katsina (the highest producers of tomato) have been razed  by these insects,” the chairman said.

    Zuntu urged the government to help forestall the infestation by providing timely interventions to the farmers.

    “The pests usually attack tomato farms around April/May and during hot season. This is when the tomatoes are ready for harvest. High temperature attracts these insects.

    “To address this infestation, we have received some interventions from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security but the intervention came late because most farmers have already lost their crops.

    “If the interventions and chemicals came earlier, we would have been able to prevent the current situation,” he said.

    Read Also: Tomato scarcity caused by farm infestation – Minister

    He said if some tomato producing states in the North and Central Nigeria had received the pesticides earlier, there would not have been a price hike.

    “Another cause of this hike is the unusual hot temperature we are experiencing this season.

    “We try everything we can next year to avoid the occurrence of this infestation.

    “A 50 kg basket of tomatoes currently sells up North from N80,000, while a crate of 25 kg sells from N40,000 to N50,000 depending on the size,” he said.

    NAN reports that two weeks ago, a 25kg basket of tomatoes sold at N14,000 per crate and a 50kg sold at N28,000 to N30,000 per basket.

    (NAN)

  • EXPLAINER: Why there’s tomato price hike, scarcity in markets

    EXPLAINER: Why there’s tomato price hike, scarcity in markets

    Recently, the prices of fresh tomatoes have tripled in less than a month.

    This development has caused many Nigerians to look for alternatives.

    Tuta absoluta, one of the most devastating pests affecting tomato crops, is the main cause of the soaring prices of tomatoes across Nigeria.

    Also, climate change is affecting the production output of the vegetables. Tomato farmers are reeling in pain over the unexpected invasion of the insects.

    A tomato seller at the popular Mile 12 Market in Lagos, told our reporter that a basket of quality fresh tomatoes, which sold between N50,000 and N80,000 in April, now sells for between N140,000 and N150,000.

    Tuta absoluta is a species of moth in the family of Gelechiidae, which is also known by the name tomato leaf miner or ‘Tomato Ebola’.

    It is well known as a serious pest of tomato crops in Europe and South America.

    This infestation has caused many households to dig deeper into their pockets to buy tomatoes.

    In Nigeria, it was first detected in Daura, Katsina state, in April 2015, in Kano state two months later and in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in September of the same year. It has since spread to all the other tomato-producing states in the country.

    In 2016, the Kaduna State government declared a state of emergency in the state’s tomato sector due to the pest attack on farms.

    According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), six tomato-producing states, including Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Gombe, Plateau, and FCT, were affected by the pest in 2017.

    Currently, the tomato Ebola is affecting Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the federal government is taking immediate action to combat this issue.

    Read Also: Tomato scarcity caused by farm infestation – Minister

    Kyari in a statement posted via his X handle said: “A significant number of our tomato farms have been affected by a severe infestation known as Tomato Ebola or Tomato Leaf Miner. This has drastically reduced the availability of tomatoes and contributed to rising costs.

    “Our ministry is taking immediate action to combat this issue. We are deploying agricultural experts to affected areas to contain and eliminate the infestation. Additionally, we are supporting our farmers with the necessary resources and guidance to recover their crops as quickly as possible, just as we instituted the Ginger Blight Control Taskforce.

    “We understand the impact this has on your daily lives and are working tirelessly to resolve the situation and restore the supply of affordable tomatoes. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.”

    Meanwhile, the increase in the prices of jollof rice’s primary ingredients (tomatoes and fresh pepper) could further exacerbate the amount Nigerians spend on their cherished delicacy as Eid El-Kabir approaches.

  • Six cooking substitutes for fresh tomatoes

    Six cooking substitutes for fresh tomatoes

    Tomato prices have surged by over 100% in just the past month in Lagos and across other states.

    Traders have attributed this price hike to regular seasonal fluctuations in tomato production and claimed that with the arrival of the wet season across the country, the harvest period for the current species of tomatoes on the market is nearly complete.

    Consumers across the country have started lamenting the high prices of tomatoes.

    If you’re looking for tomato substitutes, there are several options you can use to add a similar flavour or texture to your dishes.

    Here are five tomato substitutes that you can cook with

    *Tomato paste:

    One of the easy substitutes is tomato paste. Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated form of tomato puree that is often used in recipes that call for tomatoes.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts 20 containers of expired Tomatoes in Lagos

    *Red Bell Peppers:

    Red bell peppers are an excellent substitute for tomatoes, especially when it comes to flavour and colour. They share a similar sweetness and provide a vibrant red hue to your dishes. Roast or sautéed red bell peppers can be used in sauces, stews, soups, and salads as a replacement for tomatoes.

    *Canned Tomatoes

    You can use canned Tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes.

    When substituting canned tomatoes for fresh tomatoes, make sure to drain and rinse them before using. This will help to get rid of any excess sodium that can make your dish taste salty.

    *Carrots and Beets:

    When you’re looking for a tomato substitute in recipes like marinara sauce or tomato-based soups, a combination of carrots and beets can work wonders. Grated or blended carrots and beets provide a rich colour and a subtle sweetness that can replace the flavours of tomatoes.

    *Canned Pumpkin:

    Canned pumpkin can be used as a tomato substitute in certain recipes, especially in dishes like chili or soups. While it won’t mimic the exact flavour of tomatoes, it provides a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste that can be appealing in many savoury dishes.

    *Tamarind Paste:

    Tamarind paste is a fantastic alternative for adding a tangy and slightly sour taste to dishes that typically call for tomatoes. It works well in dishes like Indian curries, chutneys, and some Mexican salsas. Tamarind paste can be mixed with water to achieve the desired consistency.

  • Kebbi tomato processing plant inaugurated

    Kebbi tomato processing plant inaugurated

    A N20 billion tomato processing plant has been inaugurated in Gafara, Kebbi State.

    GB Foods, a culinary company, inaugurated the integrated tomato processing plant and expanded farm facilities in Gafara, in Ngaski Local Government Area of the state to assist the government to cut importation.

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    The farm and factory, spanning 1500 hectares, boasts a-620 metric tons per day processing plant and generates 2000 jobs, which GB Foods plans to double in the next expansion phase. When completed, the farm and processing facility will be Africa’s biggest integrated tomato project.

    The event witnessed a convergence of key dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

  • Tomato farming: Nurturing the red gold of agriculture

    Tomato farming: Nurturing the red gold of agriculture

    Sir: In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, tomato farming emerges as a vital thread, woven into the fabric of the economy and culinary culture. The cultivation of tomatoes, locally referred to as “red gold,” resonates deeply within the agricultural practices of the country, offering both promise and challenges to those who till the soil.

    Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones, ranging from the Sahel savannah to the rainforest belt, provide an ideal canvas for tomato cultivation. States like Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Jigawa, and Katsina stand as bastions of tomato production, their fertile lands nurturing the growth of this crimson fruit. The versatility of tomatoes, used in diverse culinary delights and as a base for industrial products like paste and sauces, contributes significantly to its demand across the country.

    Amidst the promise lie challenges that tomato farmers grapple with relentlessly. The spectre of pests and diseases, led by the notorious tomato leaf miner and bacterial wilt, lurks over fields, threatening bountiful harvests. The battle against these adversaries demands innovative pest control measures and resilient crop varieties that can withstand nature’s onslaught.

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    The struggle doesn’t end with cultivation; the journey from farm to market is fraught with obstacles. Inadequate storage facilities and a faltering transportation network leave tomatoes vulnerable to spoilage, amplifying post-harvest losses and denting farmers’ earnings. Furthermore, the fluctuating market prices, dictated by seasonal variations and middlemen exploitation, often cast uncertainty on the financial prospects of tomato farmers.

    Despite these challenges, tomato farmers in Nigeria exhibit resilience, buoyed by government interventions and grassroots initiatives. Training programs that impart modern farming techniques, emphasize sustainable practices, and educate farmers on pest management strategies have empowered many cultivators. Government investments in infrastructure development, such as improved storage facilities and enhanced transportation networks, aim to curb post-harvest losses and ensure a smoother passage to market.

    Research and development initiatives, fostering collaborations between agricultural institutions and farmers, stand as beacons of hope. The quest for disease-resistant varieties and the exploration of innovative technologies symbolize the commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering a sustainable future for tomato farming in Nigeria.

    The red allure of tomatoes continues to beckon as a symbol of both challenge and promise for Nigerian farmers. Efforts to fortify the agricultural landscape against pests, diseases, and market fluctuations signify a united front in nurturing this prized crop.

    With perseverance and concerted efforts, the nation can witness a flourishing tomato industry, empowering farmers and enriching the nation’s agricultural tapestry with the vibrant hues of this “red gold.”

    • Khadija Muazu, Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Industrialist hails govt for tomato policy

    The tomato policy introduced by the Federal Government, if effectively implemented, can boost local production and promote Nigeria’s economic growth, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Erisco Foods, Chief Eric Umeofia, has said.

    Umeofia noted that the industrialisation strategy, which aims at achieving greater global competitiveness in the production of processed and manufactured goods, would be a mirage, without effective implementation of government policies.

    The government on March 27, last year, introduced the tomato policy, and increased tariff on tomato concentrate import from five to 50 per cent in its bid to encourage local production.

    The policy was to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing industry and deepen the diversification of the economy.

    According to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria imports an average of 150,000 metric tons of tomato concentrate per annum, valued at $170 million, mostly due to inadequacy in local capacity to produce tomato concentrate.

    Federal Government’s data reveals that the current demand for fresh tomato fruits is estimated at 2.45 million metric tons per annum (MTPA), while the country produces only about 1.8 million MTPA.

    “There are lots of policies by the government that are targeted at stimulating growth in the manufacturing sector; but the sector has continued to suffer slow growth and low productivity, due to ineffective implementation of these policies.

    “One year after the tomato policy was introduced; no tangible progress has been made in implementing the policy.

    “The objective of the policy, which is to boost tomato production, improve the value chain, create jobs and attract investment into the sector, has been delayed,” Umeofia said.

    According to him, the tomato industry is still facing challenges of fake tomato paste that are being smuggled and imported into the country.

    He noted that these substandard products portend a risk to the health of unsuspecting consumers, as well as affect the viability of local producers.

    Umeofia said that the recent zeal attached to curbing the Codeine Syrup menace, should be extended to flush out fake and substandard tomato paste from the market.

    He said fake and substandard tomato paste was much more dangerous to health than the Codeine Syrup.

    “People choose to abuse Codeine consumption, but fake tomato paste consumption is ingested unknowingly by the generality of the people, and it affects both old and young.

    “As people consume fake and substandard tomato paste, they would be dying slowly, and contributing to medical bills,” he said.

    Umeofia commended the government for returning the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to the  ports.

    The industrialist urged the agency to leverage  its presence at the ports to effectively control importation of unwholesome foods and substandard goods.

    “A 2015 survey report of NAFDAC revealed that 91.1 per cent of tomato pastes circulated in the country were fake and substandard, we expect the agency’s presence at the ports to stop the entry of these products,” he said.

    Umeofia urged the relevant government agencies to collaborate on policing the ports and borders toward reducing smuggling in order to grow the nation’s industrial sector.