At the popular Farin Gada Market in Jos, Plateau State, tomato and onion sellers are experiencing a season of mixed fortunes as prices continue to fluctuate sharply.
During a recent visit to the market, our correspondent observed that the prices of tomatoes and onions have remained unstable in the past few weeks.
For Mr. Aliyu Buhari, a pepper and tomato seller, the situation has become increasingly unpredictable.
“Sometimes we buy tomatoes at cheaper rates, but other times the prices just shoot up overnight,” he said.
“Transport costs, weather conditions, and supply issues all affect what we sell.”
While tomato prices continue to swing, onion traders are enjoying some relief.
Retailer Esther Austin told our correspondent that the cost of onions has dropped significantly.
“I used to buy a bag of onions for over one hundred and twenty thousand naira, but now it’s around seventy thousand. So at least, buyers are smiling a bit,” she explained.
Despite the slight relief in onion prices, many traders and buyers remain worried about the general instability in the market, saying the unpredictable trend makes planning difficult.
They are calling on the government and relevant authorities to help stabilize food prices and support local farmers to boost production and ease the hardship on both traders and consumers.