Kano State Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources has raised alarm over outbreak of Tuta Absoluta ravaging tomato farms in the state.
The Committee Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim (APC-Karaye) disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting the committee’s report on the outbreak before the house.
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Ibrahim said 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) concerning the spread of Tuta Absoluta popularly known as Sharon in his constituency.
He said the assessment revealed 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.
According to Ibrahim, Tuta Absoluta attacks tomato crops at all growth stages, destroying leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, which leads to severe crop losses if not properly managed.
“The outbreak has severe consequences, not only for farmers but for the state and the nation as a whole, causing a shortage of tomatoes and driving up prices nationwide,” he said.
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:
“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,” Ibrahim added.(NAN)
