By Godwin Agia, Taraba
The Accord gubernatorial candidate in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has unveiled plans to transform tomato production into jobs, industries and revenue for the state.
Prof. Nyameh made the declaration on Sunday while interacting with journalists in Jalingo. He said he was struck by the volume of tomatoes being sold without value addition at the Zing market, headquarters of Zing Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that Taraba State is blessed with fertile land capable of producing tomatoes on a commercial scale, particularly in Zing, Yorro, Lau and Sardauna Local Government Areas.
“Last week, when I was in Zing, I saw tomatoes everywhere in the market. I just shook my head because this is money, job opportunities and revenue on a large scale.
“From Zing, Yorro, Lau and Sardauna, our farmers have enormous opportunities to produce tomatoes that can feed our people, supply industries and create wealth,” he said.
Prof. Nyameh questioned why the state should continue to sell raw tomatoes while losing the real value and jobs to other states. He said that under his administration, the government would move beyond farming to build a full tomato value chain.
He outlined plans to support large-scale producers and smallholder farmers with improved seedlings, irrigation, extension services and access to markets.
The plan also includes establishing tomato processing and packaging plants, paste and puree production facilities, drying and preservation facilities, cold storage and aggregation centres, as well as logistics and packaging businesses.
He said the initiative would create opportunities for more farmers, processors, traders, transporters and entrepreneurs, particularly youths and women-owned agribusinesses.
“Instead of allowing our tomatoes to perish after harvest, we will create systems that preserve, process and add value to what our farmers produce.
“Tomatoes are not just food. With the right leadership, tomatoes can become an industry. Grow it in Taraba. Process it in Taraba. Package it in Taraba. Sell it from Taraba. Create jobs for Tarabans. Generate revenue for Taraba,” Prof. Nyameh declared.
The gubernatorial hopeful said the proposal is part of his “Taraba Therapy Agenda,” an economic plan aimed at turning the state’s God-given resources into industries and sustainable government revenue.
He added that the government must create an enabling environment for production, business growth and shared prosperity.
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