However, generally, agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is rainfall-dependent, which is one of the factors debilitating the production output of agricultural produce. In an attempt to achieve food-secured status as a nation, it is therefore pertinent to improve the production of tomatoes in Nigeria. Tomato being one of the essential staple foods rich in minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins is an important vegetable with premium and high processing values as well as a venture with production capacity to generate employment. Tomato production in Nigeria requires serious attention as the demand for domestic and industrial use has brought about peak rates in recent times. It has high levels of vitamin A and C and some minerals such as iron and phosphorus. It is rich in nutrients, dietary fiber, and antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene that prevent cells from cancer. It could be processed into paste, tomato ketchup, soup, juice, diced, sauce, puree, etc. Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops produced by farmers in Nigeria with a demand gap of 2.3 million tons. It is the world’s second-largest vegetable crop following potato, and it is the most canned vegetable.
Tomato is widely cultivated for its fleshy fruits that have special nutritive value.
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