Tomato farmers worry as tuta absoluta resurfaces

Tomato farmers in Kano and other parts of the country are once again facing a devastating outbreak of Tuta absoluta, commonly known as “tomato ebola.” The pest, which has ravaged tomato farms since its first recorded outbreak in 2016, continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s horticultural sector, causing severe economic losses for farmers.

Despite ongoing efforts by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) and international donor organizations, the resurgence of Tuta absoluta remains persistent. The Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) has confirmed fresh cases of infestation across key tomato-producing areas in Kano, including Gaun Malam, Kura, Bunkure, and Bagwai local government areas.

Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, chairman of TOGAN, expressed concern over the continuous recurrence of the pest, warning that it could lead to reduced tomato production and discourage farmers from cultivation. With many farmers abandoning their fields due to heavy losses, the nation faces another cycle of tomato shortages and price hikes, with reports indicating a price surge of over 75% in major markets.

Farmers have notified the state and federal ministries of agriculture, awaiting their response to contain the outbreak. However, past interventions have not yielded significant results, leaving many stakeholders questioning the long-term sustainability of tomato farming in the country.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders

The persistent outbreaks of Tuta absoluta in Nigeria’s tomato industry underscore the critical need for a well-structured and sustainable pest management strategy. If left unchecked, this destructive pest will continue to threaten tomato production, increase food prices, and undermine the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. To address this challenge effectively, agri-food stakeholders must adopt a multi-faceted approach that integrates modern pest control techniques, research-driven innovation, policy support, and early detection systems.

1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Sustainable Approach
Farmers must transition from heavy pesticide reliance to a more sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which combines:

• Biological Control Methods: Introducing natural predators, such as Nesidiocoris tenuis (a predatory insect), which feeds on Tuta absoluta larvae, can help control the pest population naturally.
• Pheromone Traps: These traps can be used for early detection and mass trapping of adult male moths, reducing their ability to reproduce.
• Resistant Tomato Varieties: Researchers should focus on breeding Tuta absoluta-resistant tomato strains that can withstand pest attacks and reduce the need for chemical interventions.
• Crop Rotation & Farm Hygiene: Implementing proper crop rotation and maintaining clean fields by removing infected plants can limit the pest’s spread.

2. Research & Innovation: Developing Long-Term Solutions
Investment in agricultural research is crucial to finding lasting solutions. Institutions like the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) and universities must be supported to:

• Develop genetically improved tomato varieties with inbuilt resistance to Tuta absoluta.
• Study alternative biological control agents that can serve as natural enemies to the pest.
• Design cost-effective pest control strategies that smallholder farmers can easily adopt without significantly increasing production costs.
• Promote environmentally friendly pesticides that are effective against Tuta absoluta but do not harm beneficial insects or degrade soil health.

3. Government Intervention: Policy & Financial Support for Farmers
The government must play an active role in combating Tuta absoluta by:

• Providing subsidized pesticides and biological control agents to farmers in affected regions.
• Organizing training programs to educate farmers on pest detection, IPM practices, and proper pesticide application to avoid resistance build-up.
• Strengthening agricultural extension services to ensure farmers receive timely information on managing pest outbreaks.
• Implementing quarantine measures to prevent the spread of Tuta absoluta to unaffected areas by controlling the movement of infected plants.

4. Private Sector Involvement: Leveraging Technology & Agri-Tech Innovations
Agri-tech companies and investors can introduce modern solutions to help farmers combat Tuta absoluta more effectively. Key interventions include:

• Developing smart pest monitoring systems that use satellite data, drones, and AI-powered analytics to predict outbreaks before they escalate.
• Producing bio-pesticides that are environmentally friendly and provide long-term pest control.
• Facilitating access to credit and financing for farmers to purchase high-quality seeds, pest-resistant varieties, and advanced farming inputs.

5. Early Warning Systems: Proactive Pest Surveillance & Response
To prevent large-scale infestations, Nigeria must establish an early warning system that enables proactive pest management. This can be achieved by:

• Setting up regional monitoring stations in key tomato-producing areas to track pest movement.
• Training local farmers to identify early signs of infestation and report them to agricultural agencies for immediate action.
• Encouraging collaborative efforts between government, research institutions, and farmer cooperatives to share real-time information on pest outbreaks and best control practices.

A Call for Immediate Action
Nigeria’s tomato industry plays a pivotal role in food security and agro-industrial development. Without decisive action, Tuta absoluta infestations will continue to disrupt the supply chain, increase production costs, and push tomato prices higher, making them less affordable for consumers.

To build a resilient tomato industry, stakeholders must adopt a holistic, technology-driven, and research-backed approach that prioritizes sustainable pest control solutions, government policy interventions, and early warning systems. Only through collective action can Nigeria mitigate the devastating impact of Tuta absoluta and ensure long-term agricultural prosperity.