By Ukpong UKPONG-

All things being equal, there is a cumulative offer of over N158.4million monthly for tomato farmers and entrepreneurs currently engaged in mass commercial production of tomatoes and other high income vegetables in Akwa Ibom state.

The growing market prospects for tomatoes makes these delicious berry fruits one of the most sought after farm produce in Nigeria.

Currently, several high volume off takers and fruits marketers associations from neighbouring states have indicated interest in buying from the farmers. Infact, they are urging the farmers to increase their current acreage and plant more tomatoes.

Projections indicate that in a month over 300 truckloads of tomatoes alone would soon be leaving the state when the cultivation is at its peak. Each of these trucks would carry at least 550 baskets and farmers shall rake in N5.28 million every day with average monthly income of N158.4million.

VIDEO: ANOTHER TOMATO HARVEST IN AKWA IBOM STATE >> https://web.facebook.com/ibomreporters/videos/1248534068516169/

Speaking exclusively to Investors Eye, the Chairman of all the markets in Rivers State and the Chairman of Fruits Garden Market, Port Harcourt, Chief Maxwell Nwela, expressed much enthusiasm in doing business with tomato farmers in the state.

Maxwell, who was on a tour of tomato farm holdings in the state, stated “I am here, in Akwa Ibom State, to ascertain information we heard that Akwa Ibom farmers are producing tomatoes, onions, pepper, cabbage and other fruits and vegetables.

“So, if I can be opportune to get these produce here, this is my backyard, then there is no point for me to be going far north because it costs a lot of money to transport vegetables back to Port Harcourt.

He noted however that although the species and quality of tomatoes cultivated in Akwa Ibom State, are the best in the country, they are currently insufficient to feed the huge demand for the produce.

“We will make Akwa Ibom State our tomato destination rather than going to Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zaria and others. This state shall be our trade partner if we can have tomatoes and other vegetables in good quantity from here.

“The quality and varieties of tomato are good enough but the quantity is not enough. If farmers in Akwa Ibom state can increase the quantity of farms cultivating tomatoes and other vegetables such that we can get the produces on daily basis we will be very glad”.

He also appealed to state government to assist them with transport logistics to convey the produce to Rivers State.

Responding, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process, Elder Ufot Ebong, who was on hand to show the business magnate around, reassured the chairman farm produce dealers in Rivers state that Akwa Ibom state is eager to meet they market demand.

Ebong disclosed that already there are over 600 hectares of farmland designated for cultivation of tomatoes and other vegetables.

He said the cultivation of these vegetables are a result of careful study, practical demonstrations in farm environments across the state and strategic repositioning of the state as a produce destination in the country.

“We are not just waking up to engage in these projects. Since last year February, we have cultivated silently in rainy season and now the dry season, so we can produce all year round.

“Now that the story is out to Akwa Ibom people, we have on offer more than 600 hectares for cultivation and as I am standing here, we have cultivated more than 17 hectares.

“You have seen all sorts of fresh peper, cabbage, egg plant, garden egg, millions of stands of onions and we will plant more.

Elder Ebong added that since the work went out Akwa Ibom people have shown their readiness to cultivate.

Going down memory lane, he recalled how the project started, saying “our Governor Udom Emmanuel says – All you need is all you have. We have arable land why can’t plant these common vegetables.

“So, we began with 22 of these vegetables including radish, lettuce, spring onions, cabbage, tomatoes, watermelon, egg plant and others. In fact, all those farm produce we used to import can grow productively on our soil and I guaranteed you that Akwa Ibom State will satisfy that market”.

He also assured the farm produce dealer that state government will look into his appeal with an objective of drawing up a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Meanwhile, The deputy director, procurement at the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Alhaji Bello Abubakar has revealed that Nigeria is losing over N15 billion annually to importation of processed tomato.

SOURCE: http://www.ibomreporters.com/premium-tomatoes-akwa-ibom-farmers-offered-n158-4-million-monthly/

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