An agricultural expert Mr Tony Ifeakandu has called for urgent measures to reduce post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s tomato value chain, describing it as a critical step towards stabilising prices, improving food security and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Ifeakandu, the Managing Director of Autodex Nigeria Ltd., a vehicle and farm tractor assembly company, noted that despite Nigeria being one of Africa’s leading producers of tomatoes, a significant portion of the harvest is lost before reaching consumers due to inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation networks, limited processing capacity and weak market infrastructure.
According to Ifeakandu, reducing these losses would not only improve the availability of tomatoes throughout the year but also minimise the sharp price fluctuations that often burden consumers and undermine farmers’ profitability.
“Addressing post-harvest losses is essential if Nigeria is to achieve a more stable and efficient tomato market,” the expert said. “When a large percentage of harvested tomatoes perish before reaching the market, supply becomes inconsistent, leading to shortages and sudden spikes in prices.”
Tomatoes remain one of the country’s most widely consumed agricultural commodities, but seasonal gluts and shortages continue to create instability across the value chain. During harvest periods, farmers often struggle to sell their produce before it spoils, forcing them to accept low prices. Conversely, supply shortages during the off-season frequently drive prices beyond the reach of many households.
Ifeakandu stressed that investing in cold storage facilities, improved packaging technologies and efficient transportation systems would significantly reduce waste while ensuring that fresh tomatoes reach markets in good condition.
He also advocated increased investment in tomato processing industries, noting that converting surplus fresh tomatoes into paste, puree and other processed products would help reduce waste during periods of peak production while ensuring year-round availability.
In addition, the expert called for stronger extension services to educate farmers on modern harvesting, handling and storage techniques that preserve the quality of their produce and extend shelf life.
Ifeakandu further urged policymakers to strengthen collaboration with private investors, research institutions and development partners to modernise Nigeria’s tomato value chain through improved infrastructure, innovation and access to finance.
Stakeholders believe that reducing post-harvest losses could have far-reaching economic benefits, including higher incomes for farmers, lower food inflation, reduced dependence on imported tomato products and increased employment opportunities in processing and logistics.
The call comes as concerns continue to grow over rising food prices and the impact of inflation on household budgets. Experts argue that improving efficiency along agricultural value chains is one of the most sustainable ways to make food more affordable while enhancing national food security.
With Nigeria’s population continuing to grow and demand for fresh produce increasing, investments aimed at minimising post-harvest losses are expected to play a vital role in strengthening agricultural productivity and building a more resilient food system.
As stakeholders intensify efforts to modernise the country’s agricultural sector, reducing tomato losses after harvest is increasingly being viewed not only as an economic necessity but also as a practical solution to ensuring stable prices, improved farmer livelihoods and greater food availability for millions of Nigerians.
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