Kano State legislators have urged the state government to intervene immediately after the tomato‑killing pest Tuta absoluta spread across numerous local government areas.
The appeal came on Wednesday from Ahmed Ibrahim, chairman of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, who presented the committee’s findings to the assembly. The inquiry was launched following a motion of urgent public importance raised by lawmaker Ali Lawan Kiyawa, who highlighted the infestation in parts of his constituency.
Field assessments confirmed that the pest now threatens key tomato‑producing communities, including Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, and sections of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu. Tuta absoluta attacks every growth stage of the tomato plant—leaves, stems, flowers and fruit—resulting in significant yield losses for farmers.
“The situation is serious and has wide implications. It is not only affecting farmers but also contributing to low tomato supply and rising prices across the country,” Ibrahim warned.
The committee called on the Kano State government, through the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, to supply pesticides, spraying equipment, protective gear and other essential inputs without delay. It also recommended deploying extension officers to the affected communities, conducting farmer training on integrated pest management, and strengthening oversight of agro‑chemical distribution.
Lawmakers stressed that swift action is needed to safeguard food production and prevent further economic damage in the state’s agricultural sector.
If the recommended measures are implemented promptly, they could curb the spread of Tuta absoluta, stabilize tomato output and help ease the upward pressure on market prices—a development that would benefit both producers and consumers nationwide.
