Tomato Ebola Strikes Again: Nigerian Farmers Experience 80% Loss

Nigeria’s tomato farmers are once again reeling from the devastating effects of the Tuta absoluta infestation, which has caused an estimated 80% loss in tomato production in Kano State and other areas in the country.

The recurrence of the pest, also known as “Tomato Ebola,” has once again exposed the government’s inability to tackle underrated threats facing the country’s food security, according to experts.

Eight years ago, Nigeria suffered a similar invasion of Tuta absoluta pests, but the government failed to take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.

The situation has led to a loss of about N1.3 billion, according to the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), and a 363% increase in the price of fresh tomatoes in Lagos markets in just four months.

Sani Danladi, the Secretary-General of the National Tomato Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, said more than 300 hectares have been destroyed by the outbreak, which has affected more than 500 farmers in Kano State, as well as farmers in Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, and Gombe states.

He also said that the tomato association is still collecting data from the remaining states to evaluate the total loss.

The scarcity of tomatoes has led to a surge in prices, with a big basket of fresh tomatoes in Mile 12 Market in Lagos selling for between N43,000 and N45,000, compared to N9,500 in January. The price of a plastic crate of fresh tomatoes is between N18,000 and N19,000.

Experts say that the Tuta absoluta infestation is not peculiar to the Nigerian climate, and several other countries have provided measures that prevent or reduce its impact. However, the relevant authorities in Nigeria seem helpless in implementing preventive measures.

“There are chemicals that can help in preventing and limiting the spread. Various agro companies have long developed products for it. But the government has failed in subsidizing it so farmers can afford it,” said Abiodun Olorundenro, operations manager of Aquashoots Limited.

To prevent a recurrence of the invasion, farmers need to develop management practices as preventive measures, according to Abiola Oladigbolu, head of the NIHORT Biopesticide Centre.

He urged the government to subsidize the chemical products developed by the institute for farmers’ affordability while calling on the private sector to partner with the research centre to upscale the production of the chemical.

He also called on the government to make it a national policy for tomato farmers to have the NIHORT package on their farms.

The recurrence of Tuta absoluta has highlighted the urgent need for a holistic approach to food security in Nigeria. The government must prioritize the development of storage facilities, improve handling practices, and enhance the transportation network across the country to reduce the wastage of tomato produce, which currently stands at about 50%.