Due to an infestation of the deadly tuta absoluta pests, commonly known as tomato leaf miners, in numerous sizable tomato farms around Kano State, there may soon be a severe scarcity of tomatoes.
Tuta absoluta, often referred to as “Sharon” in Hausa, has been a recurring menace for more than ten years, negatively impacting and destroying numerous crops.
The pest makes tomato leaves burn, harming the fruits and causing them to decay and squander the crop.
Large-scale tomato farms are located in Bagwai, Shanono, Kura, Garin Malam, Bebeji, Bunkure, Rano, Kibiya, a portion of Tudun Wada, and Dawakin Kudu local government districts. These farms have been impacted by the pest.
Tuta absoluta infestations are a source of concern for Abdullahi Maibreadi, chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) branch in Kano State.
Maibreadi expressed her sadness at the problem, noting that farmers in the state have been dealing with it for almost a decade.
He said that 4,621 hectares of tomato farms valued at N1 billion are presently afflicted by the disease, according to AFAN’s data.
Maibreadi underlined that farmers would lose between N10 and N20 billion if the issue is not resolved in the upcoming one to two weeks.
“Unfortunately, the outbreak of the disease often occurs after farmers have already invested in their crops and the tomatoes are close to harvesting,” Maibreadi lamented.
He urged the federal and state governments to step in and supply farmers with standard insecticides and certified seeds resistant to climate change.
The Kano AFAN Chairman emphasized the need of avoiding the usage of tainted items that result in additional losses.
He also sought help for okra producers, pointing out that they had experienced similar epidemics the previous season.
“We, as farmers, do not have the resources to acquire necessary farm inputs, but the government can collaborate with international companies to purchase and resell or subsidise them for farmers, preventing substantial losses that affect the country’s economy,” Maibreadi added
