An outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, popularly known as Sharon has hit parts of Kano State, ravaging tomato farms.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper showed that the pest has spread across key 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.
Tuta Absoluta is confirmed to attack tomato crops at all growth stages, destroying leaves, stems, flowers and fruits, which leads to severe crop losses if not properly managed.
Chairman of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim (APC-Karaye) in a report presented to the Assembly on the outbreak, said that the committee was assigned to assess the infestation following a motion on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Ali Lawan Kiyawa (APC-Bagwai/Shanono).
He said that the outbreak has severe consequences, not only for farmers but for the state and the nation as a whole.
According to him, the outbreak can cause a shortage of tomatoes and drive up prices nationwide.
The committee chairman called on the House to direct the Kano State government and other stakeholders to as a matter of urgency take immediate action to contain the pest.
According to him, the outbreak occurs annually, mostly during the summer period.
To address this, the committee recommends the following measures:
“Immediate provision of resources to Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, KNARDA, including approved insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers, protective equipment, and other implements to manage the outbreak and prevent its spread.
“Deployment of extension workers and technical staff to farming areas, equipped with necessary working materials for early detection and management of crop diseases.
“Collaboration between KNARDA and local governments to sensitize farmers, provide training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and enforce regulations against fake or substandard agrochemicals.
“Strengthening state-owned agricultural research institutions and continuous collaboration with federal and NGO agencies to provide technical support to farmers.
“Provision of relief assistance to affected farmers to reduce losses.
“That the House should kindly urge the State Government to treat this matter with urgency in the interest of citizens and agricultural development.”
