Tomato processing company begins test production

yinka ogunlami

March 31, 2016 2:14 PM

Abdulkadir Kaita, Managing Director of the Dangote Tomato Processing Factory (DTPF) has confirmed that the firm has started its test production.

Women sell tomatoes at a market in Cabinda January 12, 2010. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

Kaita stated that the firm has started tomato production, and has processed 500 tons of tomatoes.

“We have not commenced production at full capacity by processing over 120 tonnes of fresh tomatoes from local farmers in the state. This is the reason why we are taking the product in batches,” said Kaita.

He said the company buys the tomatoes used at three folds the price sold in the market.

“We purchase tomatoes at N20, 000 per ton irrespective of its species. So, we buy a basket of the commodity above N1, 000 per basket and the current price at the market is N300.

This is more than three folds the price in the local market. The farmers are happy about the price; because we have had several meetings with the officials of their association before we agreed on the prices. Once we collect thetomato, the company will pay you within two days,” he said.

yinka ogunlami