The Federal Government’s policies and other drivers may lead to a tomato shortage this year, according to the Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria.
According to the association’s first-hand information, the federal government has approved the importation of tomatoes by nine firms with a 10% tariff and 20% levy only, according to Kano State Chairman Alhaji Sani Yadakwari, according to Daily Trust.
Yadakwari claimed that this has decreased farmers’ motivation to sow crops and would discourage fellow countrymen from farming this year.
While speaking, Yadakwari said, “It is unfortunate that the federal government, at this point in time, had decided to approve the importation of tomato paste into the country. To be candid, our members received this information with nostalgia and it has drained all our efforts in tomato production.”