In Nigeria, the harvest season for key vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions is underway, particularly in Kano State and other primary dry-season farming regions. Farmers in areas like Garun Mallam and Kura Local Government Area are busy sorting, bagging, and transporting their produce for sale and processing. Despite the bustling activity, farmers indicate that the peak of the harvest season has not yet been reached. A significant increase in the price of tomatoes has been noted, with a raffia palm basket now selling for N30,000, a stark rise from last year's price of around N4,000. However, challenges such as volatile prices, high input costs, transportation difficulties, inadequate government support, and a lack of proper storage facilities persist.
Tomatoes, a crucial source of vitamin C and a staple in Nigerian cuisine thrive in the northern regions of the country due to the favorable warm climate and ample sunlight. However, the lack of efficient storage solutions leads to substantial post-harvest losses. Similarly, onions, another key crop, suffer from limited storage options, affecting the supply and quality of these essential vegetables. Initiatives like the vegetable tent drier and aerated onion storage technology, introduced by private entities like the Sasakawa Africa Association, aim to mitigate these post-harvest challenges.
Source: premiumtimesng.com