Again, Kano Tomato Farmers Groan As Tuta Absoluta Ravages Farms

Tomato farmers in Kano State are facing severe issues due to the resurgence of the Tuta absoluta pest across major irrigation sites, including Garun Malam, Kura, and Bunkure. This pest, one of the most destructive to tomato crops worldwide, has caused significant damage, impacting production and leaving farmers desperate.
Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, Chairman of the Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN), noted that despite efforts to control the pest, it has persisted since 2016. Although pesticides have been procured, they remain undistributed due to required training for farmers. Yadakwari urged authorities to release the pesticides and provide necessary training.
Malam Alhassan Ubale, a farmer in Kura, has switched from tomatoes to maize to avoid further losses, while Isa Haruna Dorawa warned of a potential tomato shortage if the pest issue isn’t resolved quickly. Attempts to reach the Kano Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) were unsuccessful, but the issue has been reported to the state Ministry of Agriculture for action. Source: Daily Trust


OUR REVIEW

The resurgence of the Tuta absoluta pest in Kano State’s major irrigation sites, such as Garun Malam, Kura, and Bunkure, poses a significant threat to the region’s tomato production. This pest, known for its destructive impact on tomato crops globally, has led to substantial losses and left farmers in a state of desperation.
Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, Chairman of the Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN), highlighted that despite ongoing efforts since 2016 to control the pest, it remains a persistent problem. Pesticides have been procured but are yet to be distributed due to the need for adequate farmer training. Yadakwari called for immediate action to release the pesticides and provide the necessary training to farmers. The pest’s impact has forced farmers like Malam Alhassan Ubale to switch from tomatoes to maize to mitigate further losses. Isa Haruna Dorawa warned of a potential tomato shortage if the issue is not addressed urgently. Although the Kano Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) has been informed, effective measures are still awaited.
Addressing this pest problem swiftly can help stabilize the tomato value chain, ensuring better crop yields, market supply, and farmer livelihoods.