The Kano State House of Assembly has called on the government to take urgent steps to control the spread of Tuta absoluta, a harmful pest that is destroying tomato farms across several local government areas in Kano State.
The appeal was made on Wednesday by Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. He presented the committee’s report during a plenary session after an investigation into the outbreak.
The probe followed a motion of urgent public concern raised by Ali Lawan Kiyawa, who represents Bagwai/Shanono constituency under the All Progressives Congress, after farmers reported serious damage to their crops.
According to the committee, the pest infestation has now spread across many tomato-producing communities in the state. These include Bagwai, Shanono, Rogo, Tofa, Bunkure, Kura, Garun Malam, Rano, Kibiya, as well as parts of Tudun Wada and Dawakin Kudu.
Officials explained that Tuta absoluta attacks tomato plants at all stages of growth. It destroys leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, which leads to major losses for farmers and reduced harvests.
The committee warned that the situation is already affecting food supply and pushing tomato prices higher in markets across Nigeria.
Lawmakers therefore urged the state government to act quickly by providing pesticides, spraying equipment, protective clothing, and other farm inputs through the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.
They also recommended deploying agricultural extension officers to affected communities to guide farmers on pest control methods, train them on safe pesticide use, and strengthen monitoring of agrochemical distribution.
The Assembly emphasized that immediate intervention is necessary to protect farmers’ livelihoods and prevent further damage to tomato production in the state.
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