Lawmakers Warn of Rising Threat to Tomato Production
The Kano State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, a destructive tomato pest affecting farming communities across the state.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, raised the alarm during plenary on Wednesday while presenting the committee’s report on the infestation.
According to him, lawmakers ordered an assessment after Ali Lawan Kiyawa moved a motion of urgent public importance over the spread of the pest in his constituency.
Pest Hits Major Farming Communities
Ibrahim said the committee discovered that the infestation had spread across several tomato-producing areas in Kano State.
The affected communities include Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, Tudun Wada, and Dawakin Kudu.
He explained that Tuta Absoluta attacks tomato crops at different growth stages and damages leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
According to him, the outbreak has already caused heavy losses for farmers and disrupted tomato supply across the country.
“The outbreak has severe consequences, not only for farmers but for the state and the nation as a whole,” Ibrahim said.
Assembly Demands Urgent Intervention
The committee urged the state government and relevant agencies to act quickly to contain the spread of the pest.
Lawmakers also recommended immediate support for the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority through the supply of insecticides, sprayers, pheromone traps, and protective equipment.
In addition, the committee called for the deployment of extension workers to affected communities and increased sensitisation on pest control methods.
The lawmakers further urged authorities to stop the circulation of fake agrochemicals and provide relief support for affected farmers.
They also recommended stronger collaboration with research institutions and development partners to address the crisis.
