HIGH TOMATO PRICES A BOON TO FARMERS
Tomatoes are one of the most produced vegetables in Tanzania due to their status as a staple and economic horticultural activity for smallholder and commercial farmers across the country. According to Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), the sudden increase in tomato production is attributed to easier access to markets and better prospects compared to other traditional crops.
A field visit was conducted in Bunda and Busega districts in Mara and Simiyu Regions respectively, and it was reported that a farmer with a 100kg crate fetching about Sh100,000 in farms growers. Currently high tomato prices are a blessing for farmers, who are cashing in on decreased supply of the commodity. Tomatoes growers in Bunda and Busega districts in Mara and Simiyu regions, respectively, are earning millions from tomatoes. With a 100kg crate fetching about Sh100,000 in farms, growers in several villages in Bunda and Busega are laughing all the way to the bank. The Bulamba Farmers Group at Butimba Ward in Bunda District, which grows tomatoes on a one-acre farm, for instance, has earned TZS 4.5 million after selling 45 crates from its maiden harvest of the crop.
The group’s chairman, Mr Abiud Masige, said they expect to harvest around 500 crates of tomatoes this season, meaning that the eight members will earn a total of at least Sh50 million if current prices prevail “Earning Sh50 million through selling tomatoes grown on a one-acre farm will be a dream come true,”
When the group applied traditional methods to grow the same crop, it harvested around 64 crates, earning it Sh1.3 million per season, owing to low productivity, poor technology and lack of the sum in shillings. Bulamba Farmers Group hopes to earn this season 50m reliable markets. Better productivity has attracted nearly 20 nearby farmers, who are keen not only in joining the thriving Bulamba Farmers Group, but also in sharing the benefits.“We expect to harvest over 500 crates of tomatoes. With the prevailing farm gate price of Sh100,000 per crate, we’ll earn Sh50 million come the end of the season,” said the chairman of Wajasiriamali Farmers Group at Lukungu Village, Lamadi Ward in Busega District, Mr Masunga Nshashi.
Mr Ismail Mohamed, who grows tomatoes by applying traditional methods on his two-acre farm, expects to harvest barely 100 crates worth Sh8 million, contrary to farmers who are under Taha support. He invested almost Sh4.2 million in seeds, irrigation, pesticides and fertilizer.
This is one among insight area of interest for researcher and policy marker to explore more on tomato value chain. Based on the climatic changes farmers need to be advised and educated more on the mitigations.
