By Kemi Akinseye
“Tomato farmers in Kano State face mounting losses as the destructive Tuta Absoluta pest spreads across major farming communities, prompting urgent intervention from the Kano State House of Assembly”.
By Kemi Akinseye
As tomato farmers across Kano State battle one of the most destructive agricultural pests in recent times, the Kano State House of Assembly has sounded the alarm over the rapid spread of Tuta Absoluta, a devastating insect capable of wiping out entire tomato farms. The development has sparked fears of food shortages, economic losses for farmers, and a further rise in tomato prices across Nigeria.
Kano Raises Alarm Over Devastating Tomato Pest Outbreak
The Kano State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over the outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, a destructive tomato pest currently ravaging major farming communities across the state and threatening agricultural productivity.
The alarm was raised during plenary on Wednesday by the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, while presenting the committee’s report on the growing infestation.
According to Ibrahim, the committee was mandated to investigate the situation following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ali Lawan Kiyawa, who drew attention to the alarming spread of the pest in communities within his constituency.
Findings presented before the House revealed that the infestation has extended across several major tomato-producing areas, including Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, and parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu local government areas.
The committee explained that Tuta Absoluta attacks tomato crops at every stage of growth, destroying leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, thereby causing massive crop losses when not properly controlled.
Lawmakers warned that the outbreak poses serious economic and food security implications, not only for Kano State but for the country at large, given Kano’s strategic role in tomato production.
“The outbreak has severe consequences, not only for farmers but for the state and the nation as a whole, causing a shortage of tomatoes and driving up prices nationwide,” Ibrahim stated during the session.
Concerned about the worsening situation, the committee urged the state government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate and coordinated action to contain the spread of the pest before further damage is recorded
