According to stakeholders in the pepper and tomato value chains in Nigeria, imports of the two commodities from Cameroon must be stopped as they are dangerous and they consider them an unacceptable venture. Tomatoes and peppers are imported across the Atlantic Ocean from Cameroon to Calabar in Cross River State.
"We can grow pepper, tomato and other vegetables here in Cross River State. Why do we go all the way taking a lot of risks crossing rivers to import from Cameroon?" The project manager of Cross River Agricultural Development Project (CRADP), Dr. Martina Ubi, said.
A private sector stakeholder, Mr. Nnamdi Ukoko, Country Representative of BICCO Agro Products West Africa Ltd, said: "We learnt of the importation through the Atlantic Ocean and the terrible boat accidents and attacks on female traders by sea robbers and got worried. That's why we are calling on the government, farmers and others to play their roles and promote pepper and tomato farming in the state."
Mr. Ukoko said if there are soil, weather or any other limitations to the cultivation of the crops, experts at the CRADP and their partners could carry out more research to tackle the obstacles.
One of the traders, Mrs. Blessing Okon, told an AllAfrica reporter that despite the risks associated with the importation of the items, the business was booming because of the high cost of pepper and tomato brought in from the northern part of Nigeria, and high preference for the hot Cameroon pepper in the state.
