Abuja: The Federal Government has launched an emergency intervention programme to tackle Tuta absoluta and the African Sugarcane Borer, pests threatening tomato and sugarcane production in Nigeria. The Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, announced that the initiative aims to sensitise farmers and extension workers, provide approved pest control inputs, and offer technical guidance on integrated pest management.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi noted that the programme underscores the government’s commitment to food security, farmers’ welfare, and sustainable agricultural pest management, particularly in front-line states such as Kano. He highlighted the significance of tomatoes in Nigeria, describing them as a major income source for smallholder farmers and a key component of the country’s agriculture, supporting millions of jobs across production, processing, transport, and marketing sectors.
The minister described the pests as a national agricultural emergency, with severe impacts on harvests, farmer income, and agro-industrial investments. He emphasized the importance of timely government intervention, farmer sensitisation, and collaboration between federal and state governments to contain infestations. Abdullahi also commended the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) for releasing two improved tomato varieties, HORTITOM4 and HORTITOM5, noting their adaptability across Nigeria.
In a move to bolster the fight against these pests, Abdullahi announced the upgrading of the pest control division to a full-fledged Federal Department of Plant Health and Pest Control Services. This aligns with the government’s goals of protecting farmers, safeguarding strategic crops, and promoting sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. He urged farmers to use the free agricultural inputs wisely and to follow expert advice, avoiding reckless pesticide use that could harm health and the environment.
The statement quotes Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, as praising the Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security, highlighting how the state’s initiatives complement the federal government’s agricultural transformation goals. Additionally, it includes comments from Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in tackling the pest menace.