Kano Assembly raises alarm over devastating tomato pest outbreak

The Kano State House of Assembly has raised alarm over the rapid spread of Tuta Absoluta, a destructive tomato pest popularly known by farmers as “Sharon,” warning that the infestation could worsen food shortages and trigger further increases in tomato prices across the country.

The warning followed findings presented before the House by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, which described the outbreak as a major threat to tomato production in several farming communities across the state.

Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of the committee, (APC–Karaye), on Thursday, said the lawmakers launched an investigation after a motion of urgent public importance was sponsored by Ali Lawan Kiyawa (APC–Bagwai/Shanono), who drew attention to the devastating impact of the pest in his constituency.

According to Ibrahim, the outbreak has spread across major tomato-producing areas including Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, and parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu local government areas.

He explained that Tuta Absoluta attacks tomato crops at every stage of growth by destroying leaves, stems, flowers and fruits, often leading to massive crop losses for farmers.

“The outbreak has severe consequences not only for farmers but for the state and the nation at large, leading to shortages in tomato supply and a sharp increase in prices nationwide,” Ibrahim said.

The committee urged the Kano State Government and relevant agricultural agencies to immediately intervene to contain the spread of the pest and prevent further damage to farmlands.

As part of its recommendations, the committee called for the urgent supply of insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers and protective equipment to the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) for onward distribution to affected farmers.
The lawmakers also advocated the deployment of extension workers and technical personnel to farming communities to improve early detection and rapid response to crop diseases.

They further recommended stronger collaboration between KNARDA and local government authorities to educate farmers on integrated pest management practices and regulate the sale of agrochemicals to curb the circulation of fake and substandard products.

The committee also sought increased support for agricultural research institutions as well as partnerships with federal agencies and non-governmental organisations to provide technical assistance to farmers battling the infestation.

In addition, the lawmakers called for relief support for affected farmers to cushion the economic losses caused by the outbreak.

Ibrahim urged the state government to treat the situation as an agricultural emergency, stressing that urgent action was necessary to protect farmers’ livelihoods and safeguard food production in Kano State.