Over the years, a terrible outbreak of tuta absoluta, also known as tomato ebola, has plagued tomato producers in Kano and other regions.
Efforts by the government, including the National Horticultural Research Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State, and other international organizations, have not stopped the recurrence of the issue.
The leadership of the association of tomato farmers in Kano State told a correspondent at Daily Trust that the association had recorded yet another outbreak of tuta absoluta, which has ravaged a vast land of tomato farms across the state.
Many farmers have been forced to stop production because of the pests’ attack, which has caused them to suffer significant losses.
Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, the Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) chairman, told Daily Trust about the attack in the state. He said the farmers, who noticed it, notified the association, and the association waded in and verified that the attack was indeed by Tuta.
He said that the pest invasion has regrettably become a regular occurrence and is beginning to signifya decline in tomato production.
He said tomato growers have suffered significant losses over the years, adding that the farmers find tomato production less appealing due to this attack.
“We have noticed the pest attacks in Gaun Malam, Kura, Bunkure, and Bagwai, among other local government areas. From our previous experiences, we suspected that the attack was caused by tuta absoluta. We have taken measures on our part as an association, and we have written a letter to the state’s ministry and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture notifying them of the attack. We are waiting for their responses,” he said.
Tuta absoluta, which was found in 2016, has proven to be a devastating pest of tomato crops.
Recent events have caused tomato shortages in most markets, and prices have risen by more than 75%.
Nevertheless, tomato producers and government organisations have made progress in the fight against the insect, albeit without much success.
Source: Daily Trust
