Fatshimetrie, October 7, 2024 – The tomato price situation in Bandundu has seen a significant change during the current month of October. Indeed, the price of a 30 kg basin of natural tomatoes has undergone a significant drop, fluctuating between 35,000 and 45,000 FC. It is interesting to note that this new rate represents a clear decrease compared to the prices practiced last month, which amounted to 100,000 or even 130,000 FC for the same basin.
Pascal Butakile N’simba, a farmer and seller of agricultural products in the Bandundu markets, highlighted the impact of this price drop, mainly attributed to the abundance of supply on the market. Local and surrounding farmers supplied these products in large quantities, which made it possible to lower prices and make them more accessible to the population.
This situation can also be seen as an opportunity for national and provincial authorities, who could consider setting up a tomato processing and preservation unit. Such an initiative would make it possible to promote these products and ensure their long-term availability, in anticipation of a possible scarcity in Bandundu.
It is therefore vital that stakeholders in the agricultural sector, as well as technical partners, actively engage in supporting and perpetuating tomato cultivation in the region. Encouraging farmers to maintain this crop, by favoring seeds of improved varieties, is essential to ensure regular and quality production, particularly with a view to the next season.
In conclusion, the fluctuation of tomato prices in Bandundu reflects the dynamics of the local agricultural market, but also raises important issues in terms of agricultural policy and production sustainability. It is crucial to take appropriate measures to ensure price stability and the availability of essential agricultural products for the local population.