Tomato crisis deepens in Kano as pest outbreak threatens food prices

A worsening outbreak of the destructive Tuta Absoluta pest has thrown tomato farming communities across Kano State into crisis, raising fresh concerns over food supply shortages and rising market prices nationwide.

The alarm was raised by the Kano State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, which warned that the infestation has spread across several major tomato-producing areas and is already causing significant crop damage.

Presenting the committee’s report on Wednesday, Chairman Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim (APC–Karaye) said the outbreak followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Ali Lawan Kiyawa (APC–Bagwai/Shanono), after farmers in his constituency reported extensive losses.

The committee said the pest—locally known by farmers as “Sharon”—has now spread across Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu, all key tomato production hubs in the state.

According to the report, Tuta Absoluta attacks tomato plants at every stage of growth, destroying leaves, stems, flowers and fruits, often wiping out entire farms if not quickly controlled.

Farmers’ losses are already being felt in local markets, where traders say tomato supply has started declining, pushing up prices in several parts of the state and beyond.

“The outbreak has severe consequences not only for farmers but for the entire state and country, as it leads to reduced harvests and increasing cost of tomatoes nationwide,” Ibrahim warned.

The development has sparked concerns over potential inflationary pressure on food items, especially as tomatoes remain a staple ingredient in Nigerian households.

The committee warned that the recurring nature of the outbreak during the dry season highlights gaps in pest control systems and agricultural preparedness in the state.

It urged the state government to immediately intervene to prevent what it described as a looming food production crisis.

Among its recommendations, the committee called for emergency supply of insecticides, pheromone traps, sprayers and protective equipment to the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) to contain the infestation.

It also recommended urgent deployment of agricultural extension workers to affected communities for early detection and support to farmers battling the pest.

Lawmakers further called for intensified farmer education on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, alongside tighter regulation of agrochemicals to eliminate fake and substandard products in circulation.

The committee also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between state and federal agricultural agencies, as well as development partners, to provide technical support and long-term solutions.

In addition, it urged the government to consider relief packages for affected farmers to cushion losses and stabilize production.

With Kano accounting for a significant share of Nigeria’s tomato supply, stakeholders warn that failure to contain the outbreak quickly could worsen food inflation and deepen pressure on household budgets across the country.