As food prices remain high, tomato farmers in Kano State have lost more than N2 billion due to caterpillar bug infestation. According to Kura, farmers had a similar experience in 2023, resulting in a loss of N1.5 billion, as the insects caused damage within 24 hours in two Kano State Local Government Areas, Bagwai and Dawakin Tofa.
He stated, “The number of hectares affected is estimated to be more than 5,000 hectares of tomatoes and vegetables.” Two-thirds of all dry-season farmlands were damaged. “The tomato loss is worth N2 billion in such a short period. The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, in Bagwai LGA reported that the caterpillar insects known as Sharoon, which they had never seen before, destroyed large fields in 24 hours.
“The tomato farmers had experienced similar invasion by the same insects at the same time in 2023, and they made a loss of N1.5 billion.”
According to him, the farmers have asked the state government to help them arrest the situation. Insects attack and damage tomato foliage and fruits.
“In response to farmers’ recent efforts to contact the government, the chairman of AFAN in the Local Government Area urged federal, state, and local government officials to assist the victims in reviving their agricultural stock. Some farmers, however, emphasised the necessity for agricultural extension staff to examine the trend and take immediate action to reduce their losses,” he said.
Tomato farmers
Meanwhile, an agric specialist, Engr Daniel Ijeh, said that farmers should spray a chemical called Emamectin Benzoate on tomatoes after 15 days of sowing to prevent the vector from perching and laying eggs, resulting in caterpillars.
Source: Vanguardngr.com
