(Ecofin Agency) - In Tanzania, prices of tomato have plunged 88% compared to the last season. Since one crate of tomatoes was Sh60,000 last season, a lot of farmers began growing the crop this season. This led to oversupply and subsequently price fall.

The crate has fallen to between Sh6,000 and Sh7,000. Officials are now looking for ways to help farmers gain from the activity. According to Ebron Mwakalinga, an agribusiness consultant, creating a conducive environment for promoting agro-industries to add value to tomatoes for local consumption and exports is the solution. 

Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of the Tanzania Horticultural Association, says efforts for processing should be paired with searching for new markets for grown tomatoes, both at home and abroad.

Aaron Akinocho