Tomato Scarcity Looms

A severe shortage of tomatoes is expected as a lethal infestation of tuta absoluta, commonly known as the tomato leaf miner, has struck several large-scale tomato farms across Kano State. This pest, also known as “Sharon” in the local Hausa language, has been causing havoc on tomato crops for over a decade, but its latest outbreak has brought renewed concern to farmers and agricultural authorities.

The pest attacks tomato plants by burning their leaves and causing the fruit to rot, leading to significant waste and crop loss. The infestation has spread to numerous tomato-producing regions, including Bagwai, Shanono, Kura, Garin Malam, Bebeji, Bunkure, Rano, Kibiya, and parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu. These areas are critical for tomato farming, and their losses could have severe repercussions on the supply chain.

Abdullahi Maibreadi, Chairman of the Kano State branch of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed grave concern over the recurring nature of this infestation. “This has plagued farmers in Kano for nearly 12 years, and we are yet to find a sustainable solution,” Maibreadi stated.

The current outbreak has already impacted over 4,600 hectares of tomato farms, valued at over N1 billion. Maibreadi warns that if the situation is not resolved within the next week or two, farmers could incur losses ranging from N10 to N20 billion. “This outbreak typically happens when farmers have invested heavily, and the tomatoes are nearing harvest. The timing couldn’t be worse,” he added.

To combat the spread of the pest, Maibreadi is calling on both state and federal governments to step in with assistance. He suggests providing farmers with certified, climate-resistant seeds and high-quality insecticides to combat the infestation. Additionally, he cautions against the use of adulterated products, which can worsen the problem.

AFAN also calls for support for other crops, like okra, which faced similar pest outbreaks in the past season. “Farmers lack the resources to acquire the necessary inputs. We need the government to partner with international companies to ensure farmers get access to affordable and reliable solutions, ultimately helping to stabilize the country’s economy,” Maibreadi explained.