News in Brief:
– Prices of yams, tomatoes, and peppers have plummeted in Northern Nigeria due to bumper harvests.
– Consumers are benefiting from significantly lower prices, and there is anticipation for even lower prices during the upcoming yuletide season.
Northern Nigeria is currently experiencing a significant reduction in the prices of staple food items, particularly yams. The abundance of produce from the ongoing harvest season has flooded the market, leading to a sharp decline in prices.
In states like Niger, Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja, consumers can purchase yams at significantly lower rates compared to previous months. In Niger State, specifically, respondents note that the crop is in abundance due to increased planting by farmers.
Yam takes centre stage
“A lot of farmers planted yams this season, as against the traditionally favoured millet and corn. Yam farms can be seen flourishing from Minna to Suleja,” Aminu, a peasant farmer based in Minna told this publication.
Niger State is a predominantly agrarian economy with about 85% of its inhabitants engaged in farming activities. It is a major producer of food crops like rice, maize, millet, guinea corn and yam.
“In all the markets, they [yams] are available, from Mutun daya, Garatu, Paiko, to Maikunkele, Gwada, and Kuta, it’s very cheap in these locations,” said Malik Yahaya, a produce merchant in Suleja.
Consequently, bumper harvests have driven prices of moderately sized yam tubers in the local markets to less than ₦500 in some cases. In Kaduna, the food item is sold slightly higher at ₦800 to ₦1,000 per tuber. A dozen yams are reportedly being sold for ₦12,000 on average.
Meanwhile, respondents in other states like Kebbi, Kano, and Adamawa, also affirm the affordability and availability of the crop, although with slightly varying costs, especially in urban/rural areas.
Tomatoes and peppers: prices on the mend
In addition to yams, tomatoes and peppers have also seen a considerable decrease in prices.
In Kaduna’s Central Market, the produce can be seen in abundance in huge baskets of varying shapes, as most of the traders are also farmers bringing in their produce from the farms.
Also, farmers in Gombe State’s major tomatoes and pepper-producing area, have had to sell their wares at considerably cheap prices to avoid spoilage.
A basket of tomatoes which sold for about ₦30,000 in the past month, now sells for anywhere from ₦8,000 to ₦12,000 in the area. This is a huge difference of 73% reduction from when it sold at record prices in June for upwards of ₦80,000 to ₦150,000.
A case for processing facilities
Meanwhile, the abundance of food items has led to a glut. This situation has been a significant point for analysts in making a case for the establishment of viable processing centres in the region, and the country at large.
The bumper harvest situation owes to favourable weather conditions and improved farming practices. As a result, consumers can expect to find these essential items at more affordable prices in local markets in the region.
Anticipation for even lower prices during the festive season
Looking ahead to the upcoming yuletide season, prices of yams, tomatoes, and peppers are anticipated to decline even further. Malam Inuwa, a tomatoes and pepper merchant in the Alaba Rago area of Lagos State, opines that cheaper prices are expected for the produce soon.
“The prices will still reduce,” he said. “This is because much more is yet to be planted, especially in Kaduna state, where I get my supply from. This is because most of the flood waters are yet to clear in some states.”
Thus, he added that within a couple of months, bumper harvests are expected to further crash the prices of tomatoes and pepper, just in time for the festive season.
Generally, the reduction in prices of these staple food items is a welcome development for many Nigerians. It offers relief to households struggling with rising costs of living and provides a boost to the local economy.
Consequently, consumers can expect to continue enjoying lower prices for yams, tomatoes, and peppers in the coming months. Although, those who have the means to store these items are encouraged to buy more.
