Tomato prices have dropped by about 30 per cent in Bauchi, following an increase in supply.
A check on Tuesday at Muda Lawal and Yelwan Tudu markets showed that prices dropped due to a bumper harvest recorded this wet season.
A bag of pepper was sold between N30,000 and N45,000, down from its previous price of N120,000 over the last three months.
Tomatoes, which were previously sold at N18,000, dropped to N14,000 per basket.
However, prices of vegetable produce like okra have slightly increased, with a bag selling for N7,500, up from N6,000.
A bunch of spinach leaves was sold for N3,500, up from N1,500.
Musa Yakubu, a tomato dealer, attributed the trend to the significant increase in supply occasioned by bumper harvests.
He said prices would fall further despite the produce’s high demand.
“We are getting fresh supplies from the farms, and prices are going down daily. We envisage the trend will last till the end of the harvest,” he said.
A grocer, Bala Audu, described the trade as lucrative, adding that he was enjoying appreciable patronage.
He said customers were buying tomatoes in large quantities to preserve them for long-term household use.
Also, Mishel Reuben, a customer, expressed joy over the development, adding that she was spending less on her shopping menu due to the price crash.
“Presently, I spent N1,500 to buy tomatoes and vegetables as against N3,000 in the past,” she said.
