By FELICIA IMOHIMI

The Federal Government has launched an emergency intervention programme to tackle Tuta absoluta and African Sugarcane Borer, pests threatening tomato and sugarcane production in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi in a statement said the initiative aims to sensitise farmers and extension workers, provide approved pest control inputs, and offer technical guidance on integrated pest management.

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.

“Tomatoes are widely grown and eaten in Nigeria and are a major income source for smallholder farmers. The country is one of Africa’s top tomato producers, supporting millions of jobs across production, processing, transport, and marketing,” he said.

The minister described the pests as a national agricultural emergency, impacting harvests, farmer income, and agro-industrial investments.

He emphasised the importance of timely government intervention, farmer sensitisation, and federal-state collaboration to contain infestations.

Abdullahi commended the release of two improved tomato varieties – HORTITOM4 and HORTITOM5 – by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in April 2025, noting their adaptability across Nigeria.

He further announced the upgrading of the pest control division to a full-fledged Federal Department of Plant Health and Pest Control Services, aligning with the government’s goals of protecting farmers, safeguarding strategic crops, and promoting sustainable, climate-smart agriculture.

Abdullahi urged farmers to use free agricultural inputs wisely, follow expert advice, and avoid 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, saying the state’s initiatives complement the federal government’s agricultural transformation goals.

It also quoted Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

He described the unveiling as a strategic, science-driven intervention to safeguard productivity, empower farmers, and strengthen Kano as a hub for irrigated agriculture, horticulture, and agro-processing. (NAN)

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