Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum] is an annual crop that matures between 2 to 3 months of planting depending on the specie. Tomatoes can be planted in Nigeria all year round depending on the location of the farm/ the type of farm.
Nigeria tomato consumption is estimated at 2.5million metric tons per annum while the country produces only 1.8million metric tons per annum. Nigeria spends at least 200 million dollars yearly to import 150,000 metric tons of tomato concentrate into Nigeria. The federal government of Nigeria to tackle this challenge put into force a tomato policy which took effect on May 7 2017 for the country. The policy restricts import of tomato only through sea port and increased the duty to 50%. It also outlawed importation of tomatoes preserved otherwise by vinegar or acetic acid. The policy also introduced a levy of $1500 per metric ton on imported tomato concentrate.
The policy also reclassified greenhouse equipment as agricultural equipment in order to attract 0% import duty. It also prohibited importation of tomato paste, powder or concentrate put up for retail sale.
The major inputs for commercial tomato farming are; LAND, IMPROVED SEEDLING, TRAINING, FERTILIZER, FINANCE and MARKET
LAND
Tomatoes do best in well-drained loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and endowed with plant nutrients, with a pH value of 6 to 7. Procuring such Land for commercial farming has to be done by professionals who with their eagle eye can decode the soil texture without much examination. It is also easier to source for land for agriculture through professionals because they have extensive network and can arrange Land for you in short notice, this is also cost effective. There is little need to purchase land for farming in large scale from the beginning as this will tie down available capital, thus it is advisable to lease and subsequently pay for the land from the proceed of the farm. BUSINESS ADVISORY NETWORK is a guru in this regard and will help you arrange choice farm land at the best rate, all you have to do is to talk to us.
TRAINING
We will guide you on best planting season, specie to plant, spacing, fertilizer type, how to source fertilizer, fertilizer application. Weed control, pest control and processing.
FINANCE
The central bank of Nigeria has a lot of incentives for commercial farmers with a reduced interest rate of 9% per annum. We will guide you on how to source this loan. We will also help in securing farming equipment.
MARKET
Demand for tomatoes in Nigeria is enormous, as at today there is still a supply shortage of over 700,000 metric tons of tomatoes.
SECURITY
Security of the farm is of utmost importance, thus adequate security must be put in place to eliminate/ reduce pilferage in the farm.
TOMATO VALUE CHAIN
Despite the shortfall in supply of tomatoes in Nigeria about half of the harvests are lost to spoilage and several other factors before they get to the market. This means that investment in processing and other tomatoes value chain will be worthwhile. We will not only guide you on tomato farming. We will introduce you to tomato value chain depending on your interest. Canned tomatoes, tomato juice, Tomato Ketchup, tomato paste and tomato puree and many other things can be produced from tomato. Even though these require huge investment, the return is enormous and the market potential is also huge.
If you desirous of farming with minimal discomfort and also wants to stay out of other loss that might result due to lack of planning talk to us at BAN