An outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, the destructive tomato pest popularly known among farmers as “Sharon,” has hit several tomato-producing communities in Kano State, raising fears over possible tomato shortages and rising food prices across the country.
The pest infestation has reportedly spread across major farming areas including Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, as well as parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu Local Government Areas.
Tuta Absoluta is known for attacking tomato crops at all stages of growth, damaging leaves, stems, flowers and fruits, often resulting in severe yield losses if not properly controlled.
Concerned by the growing threat, the Kano State House of Assembly has called for urgent intervention to contain the outbreak and support affected farmers.
Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim (APC-Karaye), disclosed this while presenting the committee’s report on the infestation before the Assembly.
According to him, the committee was mandated to assess the situation following a motion on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Ali Lawan Kiyawa (APC-Bagwai/Shanono).
Ahmed warned that the outbreak poses serious economic and agricultural consequences not only for Kano State but for Nigeria as a whole, particularly due to Kano’s strategic role in tomato production.
He noted that continued destruction of tomato farms could trigger supply shortages and further drive up tomato prices in markets nationwide.
The committee subsequently urged the Kano State Government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to curb the spread of the pest and reduce losses suffered by farmers.
According to the report, the outbreak occurs almost every year, especially during the summer season, making long-term control measures necessary.
As part of its recommendations, the committee called for the immediate release of resources to the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), including approved insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers, protective equipment and other essential materials needed to combat the infestation.
The lawmakers also recommended the deployment of extension workers and technical personnel to affected farming communities for early detection and management of crop diseases.
The committee further advised KNARDA and local government authorities to intensify farmer sensitisation campaigns, provide training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and strengthen enforcement against the circulation of fake or substandard agrochemicals.
It also called for improved funding and collaboration with agricultural research institutions, federal agencies and development partners to provide technical support and sustainable solutions for farmers.
In addition, the Assembly urged the state government to provide relief assistance to affected farmers to cushion the impact of the outbreak and safeguard agricultural productivity in the state.
The lawmakers stressed that urgent intervention had become necessary to protect livelihoods, stabilise tomato supply and sustain agricultural development in Kano State.
