Tomato, Pepper Prices Continue To Swell As Consumers Face Tough Choices
The recent surge in tomato and pepper prices in Jos, Plateau State, has shocked residents, even though the state is a major producer of these crops. The price hike has impacted consumers, traders, and businesses, with many struggling to afford or source the produce. The spike is largely attributed to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has increased costs across the agricultural value chain, including irrigation, transportation, and farming inputs. Farmers, facing higher expenses, have reduced cultivation, leading to a supply shortage. Buyers now often go directly to farms, bypassing traditional markets and further disrupting the supply chain. To address the crisis, stakeholders suggest the government should reinstate fuel subsidies, invest in irrigation and mechanization, and provide financial support to farmers to reduce production costs and increase supply. Source: Daily Trust
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Tomato and Pepper Price Surge in Jos Stuns Residents The recent spike in tomato and pepper prices in Jos, Plateau State, has shocked residents. Known for producing these commodities in large quantities, the state’s favorable conditions have always ensured ample supply. However, the removal of fuel subsidies has caused prices to skyrocket, with a big basket of tomatoes now costing between N80,000 and N100,000 and a bag of pepper reaching N60,000. Farmers, facing increased costs for fuel and inputs, have reduced cultivation, resulting in severe market shortages. Consumers and businesses alike struggle with the high prices, impacting livelihoods and daily meals. Many buyers now go directly to farms to cut transportation costs, disrupting traditional market dynamics. Stakeholders argue that reversing the subsidy removal and investing in irrigation and mechanization could help reduce prices. Immediate government support through loans, tax reductions, and increased supply measures is also essential to alleviate the crisis.
