The Kano State House of Assembly has called for urgent intervention following the outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, a destructive tomato pest ravaging farms across major tomato-producing communities in the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, disclosed this while presenting the committee’s report on the infestation before lawmakers.
According to him, the pest, popularly known as “Sharon,” has spread across Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, and parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu local government areas.
Ibrahim explained that the pest attacks tomato plants at all growth stages by destroying leaves, stems, flowers and fruits, leading to massive crop losses and rising tomato prices nationwide.
The committee urged the Kano State Government to immediately provide resources to the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), including insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers and protective equipment to contain the outbreak.
It also recommended the deployment of extension workers to affected farming communities, training for farmers on Integrated Pest Management, enforcement against fake agrochemicals, and relief support for affected farmers.
The lawmakers warned that the annual outbreak poses serious threats to food supply, farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural development if not urgently addressed.