Director General and CEO of the Raw Material and Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Dr. Husaini Ibrahim has disclosed that Nigeria spends ‘$1.5 billion on importation of tomato products annually.
Ibrahim advised that the country can reverse the trend with the introduction of improved seeds that yield more in dry season farming.
Ibrahim who was represented by a Consultant with RMRDC, Dr. Usman Argungu Hassan, disclosed these yesterday while addressing farmers in Lafia said “In Nigeria in spite of all the comparative advantage the country has in all year round tomato production, we are largely dependent on importation of tomato paste and other tomato products from China and other exporting countries, which is unacceptable.”
Ibrahim also added that the council has developed a robust monitoring and evaluating plan in conjunction with the Nasarawa state government to ensure productivity in crop production.
The DG to the event, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Nasarawa State, Mr. Naphthali Dachor in response commended the council for researching and improving the tomato seed, which is reportedly resistant to diseases and pest.