Tomato Crisis Deepens in Kano as Deadly Pest Destroys Farms Across LGAs

An outbreak of Tuta Absoluta, widely known among farmers as “Sharon,” has affected several tomato-producing communities in Kano State, causing major destruction to farms and raising concerns over possible food shortages and rising tomato prices across the country.

Information gathered indicates that the pest has spread rapidly through major farming areas such as Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, as well as parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu Local Government Areas.
Agricultural experts say the pest attacks tomato plants at every stage of growth, damaging leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, often leading to heavy losses when not properly controlled.
The Chairman of the Kano State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim (APC-Karaye), disclosed this while presenting a report before the Assembly. According to him, the committee was assigned to investigate the outbreak following a motion raised by Ali Lawan Kiyawa (APC-Bagwai/Shanono) under a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
Ahmed Ibrahim warned that the infestation poses a serious threat not only to farmers in Kano but also to food supply and economic stability nationwide. He noted that continued destruction of tomato farms could trigger scarcity and further increase tomato prices in markets across Nigeria.
The committee therefore urged the Kano State Government and relevant stakeholders to take swift and coordinated measures to contain the spread of the pest.
He explained that the outbreak occurs almost every year, particularly during the hot season, making preventive action necessary.
Among the recommendations presented by the committee are the immediate supply of approved insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers, protective kits, and other essential materials to the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) to help tackle the infestation.
The committee also called for the deployment of extension workers and technical experts to affected farming communities for early detection and proper disease management.
It further recommended stronger collaboration between KNARDA and local government authorities to educate farmers on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and to crack down on the circulation of fake or substandard agrochemicals.
Other recommendations include strengthening state-owned agricultural research institutions, improving partnerships with federal agencies and non-governmental organisations for technical support, and providing relief assistance to affected farmers to cushion their losses.
The lawmakers appealed to the Kano State Government to treat the issue with urgency in order to protect farmers, safeguard food production, and support agricultural development in the state.