Tomato farming is fast becoming one of the most lucrative agribusiness ventures in Nigeria, driven by rising demand from households, hotels, restaurants, and food processing companies. With new eateries and hospitality outlets springing up across the country, the need for fresh tomatoes continues to soar.
In addition to direct consumption, local industries producing tomato paste and related products rely heavily on steady supplies, making large-scale farming a profitable enterprise. While tomatoes can be cultivated nationwide, states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara remain the leading producers due to their favorable climate.
A part-time farmer in Edo State, Charles Ilobekemen, explained that tomatoes are highly rewarding if well-managed. “Since tomatoes mature between 60 and 100 days, farmers can plant and harvest up to four times a year on a rotational basis,” he said. He, however, advised prospective large-scale farmers to secure adequate financing, land, and ready markets, noting that tomatoes are highly perishable and spoil quickly if not sold or preserved.
Ilobekemen further highlighted that tomato planting thrives best between December and March during the dry season, as the crop is sensitive to heavy rainfall. He added that irrigation and proper watering are crucial during extremely dry months to sustain growth.
Similarly, Comrade Oluyemi Adewale, a civil servant and farmer in Ondo State, stressed the importance of preservation techniques to reduce post-harvest losses. He recommended keeping harvested tomatoes under banana trees or mixing them with ashes to prolong freshness.
Adewale also warned farmers about pests and the structural weakness of tomato plants when fruiting. He suggested propping up the plants on wooden beds to protect the fruits from insects and ensuring farms are fenced to prevent animal damage.
He noted that tomato farming is a job-creating, money-spinning business capable of yielding millions of naira annually. “If done on a large scale, farmers can recover their investment within two or three production cycles,” Adewale said.
With proper planning, pest control, and preservation methods, tomato farming offers quick returns and remains one of Nigeria’s most promising agribusiness opportunities.
