FG deepens boost for tomato production with new production policy

Barely one month after the Dangote Tomato factory resumed operations in Kano, the Federal Government on Tuesday announced a new policy for tomatoes to drive massive investments in the sub sector.

The new policy is designed to grow the production by way of improving the value chain and attract more investments.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, who made the announcement at a media briefing at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja, said the tomato sector policy was developed and is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and the (NAFDAC).

According to him, the policy is targeted at increasing local production of fresh tomato fruit required for fresh fruit consumption and processing; increase local production of tomato concentrate and reduce post-harvest losses.

Business Hilights recalls that Tomato paste and some of the critical production materials were among the 41 items banned by the federal government and since the ban, more Nigerians and even some foreign investors have dived into the sector, causing massive growth.