By Adamu David
Tomato producers in Kano and other parts of the nation have been dealing with a devastating outbreak of a disease known as tuta absoluta, which is frequently referred to as tomato ebola, for the past several years.
Despite government’s efforts, such as those of the National Horticultural Research Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State, and other foreign donor organisations, recurrence has proven persistent.
The leadership of the association of tomato farmers in Kano State has told our correspondent that the association had recorded yet another outbreak of tuta absoluta that 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 chairman of the Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN), 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.
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He said that the pest invasion has regrettably become a regular occurrence and that it is beginning to portend a decline in tomato production.
He said tomato growers have been suffering significant losses over the years, adding that the farmers are finding tomato production less appealing as a result of this attack.
We have noticed the pest attacks in Gaun Malam, Kura, Bunkure, 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.
Since it was discovered in 2016, Tuta absoluta has been a catastrophic pest on tomato crops.
Tomato shortages have started to appear in most tomato markets due to recent developments, and it was also found that tomato prices had increased by more than 75%.
However, tomato farmers and government agencies have been advancing in the fight against the pest but with no much result.
