The cost of a big bag of pepper has increased to N260,000 from N80,000 while the small bag has gone up to N110,000 from N23,000, Daily Trust findings have revealed.

Our correspondent further learnt that a bag of tomatoes has moved up to N45,000 from N21,000. The increased price which took effect in the month of March translates to over 100 per cent increase from the month of February.

The survey conducted in major markets in Lagos and Ogun showed that the quantity of the price of the amount bought last month has reduced compared to this month.

Abdulahi Yerima Shehu, a pepper seller in Ogba market said the pepper and tomatoes were less costly last month compared to this month, stressing that a big bag of pepper has increased to N260,000 from N80,000.

“The prices of pepper and tomatoes last month are different from this month. It was cheaper last month, I bought the highest bag for N80,000 but now it is N260,000 while the small bag that was sold at N20,000-N23,000 is now N110,000. Also, before I used to buy a big bag of tomatoes for N18,000 -N21,000 but now it is N45,000,” he said.

He said many of his customers have complained over the increase in the cost of pepper, saying, “My customers have been complaining but I explain to them that pepper is expensive but I assured them that the price will reduce in the next couple of weeks. The market is moving well, even though it is expensive, my customers are trying. I must appreciate them,” he said.

Alhaji Bala Yaro, a pepper seller in Abeokuta, attributed the increase to the lack of insecticide and proper storage, saying many farmers are recording losses.

He added that the price of a bag of pepper has increased to N165,000 from N100,000 while the price for tomatoes has increased to N45,000 from N35,000.

“These are the challenges we are facing, we are pleading with the government to help us,” he said.

A consumer, Moyosore Salami lamented that despite the increase, the basket is a mixture of ripe and unripe.

“It is expensive, especially pepper, tomatoes are still okay cheap. I have issues with Lagos pepper,” she said.

A food security expert, AfricanFarmer Mogaji attributed the increase in the price of pepper and tomatoes in the Southern part of the country to limited land for cultivation, climate, lack of interest of farmers to take risk and cost of logistics.

“The two reasons for the increase in the price of pepper is one: the reduced cultivation, the areas of lands has reduced compared to other crops. Also during the dry season, the attention for pepper has reduced compared to other crops of less higher economic returns. People are paying for rice and wheat because they are getting support,” he said.

He urged the governors in the South West to support farmers to plant peppers and tomatoes, citing examples from the governors in the North.