Tomato farmers in Plateau state have decry the absence of storage and processing facilities, among others major challenges in the state.
Some of the farmers described the absence of the facilities as major bane to tomato cultivation in the state.
Smallholder farmers in Plateau State produce between 25,000 to 30,000 metric tonnes of variety of tomatoes annually.
The state is known for both dry and wet season farming.
In spite of the high production volume, farmers face significant post-harvest losses, with 30–50% of the produce often lost due to inadequate storage and processing facilities
Mr Musa Abdullahi, who cultivates between three to five hectares annually, said that due to its perishable nature, farmers are usually forced to sell their produce immediately after harvest.
Abdullahi, who cultivates between 200 to 300 baskets of tomatoes per season, said that government support has not been regular.
“I have been cultivating tomatoes in the last 10 years; I know exactly the plights of farmers, particularly the small cake farmers.
“Occasionally, we receive subsidised fertilisers or improved seeds from government, but the support is not regular and insufficient.
“Most times we sell out our produce quickly because tomatoes easily spoil; we do not have proper storage facilities in the state.
“Some farmers usually dry their tomatoes under the sun, but that is not enough.
“Such style isn’t giving the true value for money because it is crude and old method of preservation,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that though some processing companies such as Tomato Jos Farming, Processing Limited and NaFarm Foods usually buy tomatoes for processing.
He, however, decried that many smallholder farmers still depend heavily on middlemen for access to markets.
Another farmer, Mrs Chundung Pam, identified pests and diseases, high cost of fertilisers and transportation as major challenges affecting tomato production in the state.
She also unstable market prices and activities or middleme as other major challenges affecting tomato production in the area.
She urged the government and private sector to invest more in storage facilities, processing plants and direct farmer support to improve tomato farming in Plateau.
On his part, Mr James Ajiji, who cultivates decry the spate of insecurity and mass destruction of crops on farmlands as another key challenge affecting tomato production in Plateau.
Ajiji, who accused the Fulani herders for the act, said that his over two hectares tomato farm was recently destroyed at night.
“Insecurity has been a major set back for us; we can’t go to their farms for fear or being attacked and killed.
“We are forced to sleep in our farms, if not our brothers the fulanis will take their cows at night to destroy all our crops.
“This is applicable to both dry and wet season farming; it is a serious challenge for us.
“So, we are calling on the government to address the insecurity concerns in the state,”he said.
However, Gov Caleb Mutfwang, had in several fora maintained that his administration would prioritise agriculture.
He promised support all farms in the state with inputs and facilities that boost farming and promote food security.
