By Grace Samuel
Tomato farmers in Gombe State have expressed concern about the losses they incurred after harvesting, which they believe is a major problem for tomato production during both the rainy and dry seasons in the state.
It was gathered that the towns of Kwadon, Dadin-Kowa, and Kumo are the main areas where tomatoes are grown in Gombe State. However, due to the absence of adequate storage facilities, the farmers often sell their produce at very low prices.
The farmers lamented that tomato as a perishable fruit rot days after harvest if not properly handled and stored.
Muhammad Abdullahi, a tomato farmer in Kwadon town of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area in Gombe State, was reported as lanenting that the absence of suitable storage facilities often results in substantial losses at the end of each harvest.
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According to Abdullahi, tomatoes are very delicate and need specific storage conditions in order to stay fresh for a long time.
Abdullahi also noted that rot in tomatoes also contributes to food waste and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
He believes that because there is a shortage of storage facilities and companies that purchase and process large quantities of tomatoes, farmers are at risk of experiencing unpredictable changes in tomato prices.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Publicity Secretary of the All-Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Muhammad Magaji Gettado, has allayed the fears expressed by the farmers, saying the Manto Processing Company in Kumo, Akko LGA of the state will soon be back on stream.
He said the, company which has been sold to an investor is anticipated to begin production in the near future.
Gettado stated that once the company is fully operational, it is expected to process over 100 trucks of tomatoes to produce tomato paste.
