Prof. Adebayo Akinboye of the Department of Agric Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, has called for a synergy among tomatoes farmers to boost tomato production in the country.
The don made the call on Thursday in Kano at a one-day seminar for tomatoes farmers, processors and transporters.
He said the workshop was aimed at forming an e-platform which would be used to gather information among the actors in tomato production.
According to him, the project is sponsored by Tertiary Institution Trust Fund (Tetfund) as part of the measures to develop tomato production in Nigeria.
“The e-platform will help the actors in tomato production to know the price of tomato in different states,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Abdulhameed Mango of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, said that about 40 per cent of the tomatoes produced in the country waste due to various factors.
He said if properly harnessed tomato had the potential to become a key player in the nation’s economy.
Chief Research Officer, National Horticulture Commission (NIHORT), Dr Ajayi Oluwakayode, said the commission has been doing its best to tackle challenges facing tomatoes production in Nigeria.
Mr Samaila Aliyu a participant from Gombe State, expressed appreciation to the organisers of the event, saying that he learnt a lot.
Other participants, Mr Abubakar Zanga Bauchi and Lawan Garba, from Kano State, commended the government taking steps to boost tomatoes production in the country.
The theme of the workshop is, “Innovating tomato supply chain, for food security and improved livelihood in Nigeria”.
Several stakeholders in tomatoes production sector from many states of the federation were in attendance.
(NAN)