In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, some housewives are expressing their frustration as the cost of tomatoes continues to soar, leading them to find alternatives for their stews and sauces. In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, residents revealed that they have turned to garden eggplants, carrots, pumpkin, pawpaw, and traditional soups as substitutes for tomato-based dishes.
The residents highlighted the versatility of garden egg, which can blend well with rice in a similar way to tomatoes. They also mentioned using pumpkin stew or traditional soups like white soup and palm fruit soup as alternatives. While acknowledging the uniqueness of these substitutes, the housewives emphasized that the high cost and scarcity of tomatoes have left them no choice but to explore other options.
One mother of five shared that her family used to enjoy rice with tomato stew regularly, but due to the scarcity and expense, they have switched to garden egg stew, which she described as equally satisfying. Another woman mentioned the exorbitant prices of tomatoes, with a sizable bushel costing as much as N6500, far beyond her budget.
Customers’ reluctance to purchase tomatoes at such high prices has affected tomato retailers like Umar Adamu, who has experienced low patronage and halted tomato sales temporarily. The Chief Executive Officer of Abraks Farm Produce Nigeria Limited, Rukkaya Umar, attributed the scarcity to the high cost of fertilizer and the reliance on seasonal farming.
The skyrocketing tomato prices, with a significant basket now costing around N35,000 compared to the previous N10,000, have compelled housewives to seek alternatives and adjust their cooking routines.
