Tomato farmers hit hard as pest outbreak costs Nigeria N1.3bn

Nigeria has recorded losses exceeding N1.3 billion due to an outbreak of Tuta absoluta, commonly known as “Tomato Ebola,” across Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna states.

The Federal Government confirmed the development, which has devastated tomato farms and caused a sharp rise in prices.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed the figures during a four-day capacity-building workshop for financial institutions in Abuja, organized by HortiNigeria in collaboration with NIRSAL Plc.

According to Kyari, the pest — capable of wiping out tomato crops within 48 hours — has caused the price of a 50kg basket of tomatoes to rise from N5,000 to over N30,000, contributing significantly to food inflation and placing additional strain on household budgets.

“This crisis highlights the urgent need for integrated pest management strategies, investment in resilient crop varieties, and enhanced support for farmers to safeguard our food supply chains,” Kyari said.

The minister described horticulture—covering fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and ornamentals—as a powerful tool for rural transformation, job creation, improved nutrition, and economic diversification. He called for sustainable financing and infrastructure to unlock its full potential.

*Farmers Speak: Massive Losses and Crop Switches*

In interviews with THE STAR, farmers in affected areas narrated how the outbreak has decimated their farms.

Usman Bala, a 43-year-old farmer from Kura LGA, Kano, said he was forced to uproot his tomato plants and switch to maize to salvage his fertiliser investment.

“Despite replacing the tomatoes with maize, I have lost over N600,000 in seedlings, fertilisers, and irrigation,” he lamented.

Shehu Musa Ibrahim, a 52-year-old farmer from Kafur, Katsina State, described the situation as unprecedented in his 20 years of tomato farming.

“I planted about 2 hectares of tomatoes and expected a harvest worth over N25 million, but the pest has dried my entire farm,” he said, appealing for urgent support from stakeholders.

“Currently I have switched to maize and Rice farming, with no intention of planting tomatoes in the near future.”

*TOGAN Confirms Widespread Impact*

The Kano State chapter of the Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) confirmed the outbreak’s severity, citing affected areas including Garun Malam, Kura, Bunkure, and Bagwai LGAs.

Chairman of the association, Alhaji Sani Danladi Yadakwari, told THE STAR that many farmers had been forced to abandon tomato farming altogether due to repeated pest attacks.

“This disease, first identified in 2016, continues to plague farms despite our efforts. It has already begun to affect tomato supply in major markets, with prices rising above ₦75 per unit,” he stated.

Farmers and agricultural stakeholders are calling for coordinated government intervention, including pest control support, funding for affected farmers, and long-term solutions to protect Nigeria’s tomato value chain.

The Star