Recent market surveys by NAN indicate a decline in prices of certain food items, such as yams, pepper, and potatoes, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas.
Farmers attribute this reduction to ample rainfall, which has resulted in bountiful harvests. Chidike Ukoh, National Secretary of the National Fish Association of Nigeria (NFAN), acknowledges the price reduction but notes that purchasing power remains low.
Lizzy Igbine, National President of the Nigeria Women Agro Allied Farmers Association, explains that the drop in prices is due to the harvest season. She highlights the availability of new potatoes, onions, and yams, leading to lower prices. Igbine urges the Federal Government to prioritize the timely distribution of farm inputs to support increased production.
Babangida Yakubu, a yam seller in Nyanya market, confirms the price decline but expresses concern over low patronage. He appeals to governments to implement the new minimum wage, enabling civil servants, his primary customers, to afford these items.
Customer Nkechi Aboh praises the efforts of the government and farmers in reducing food prices. While acknowledging that some items remain expensive, she notes a significant improvement compared to a month ago. Aboh cites the reduction in tomato prices, which were previously between ₦15,000 and ₦18,000 per small basket and are now available for ₦2,500 to ₦3,500....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
Aboh advocates for improved storage systems to preserve perishable items like tomatoes during harvest seasons, ensuring availability even during scarcity. She suggests exploring dehydration techniques to create powdered tomato products, which could be supported by government initiatives.
Despite the price reductions in some items, others, such as garri, rice, onions, maize, millet, and beans, remain high. The price of yam has decreased from ₦25,000-₦28,000 for five tubers to ₦15,000, while pepper has dropped from ₦15,000-₦10,000 per small basket to ₦6,000-₦5,500. Onions, however, have increased slightly, with a small basket now costing ₦4500-₦4000 compared to the previous ₦3,000.
Source: Daily Trust
