Pest attack: Tomato farmers estimates over 70% loss
Tomato farmers in Kano state are currently lamenting the infestation of a pest, Tuta absoluta, also known as Tomato leaf miner.
The State Chairman of the Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Yadakwari, made this known in an interview that, “The farmers cannot get even 10 per cent of what they have invested in tomato cultivation this season,” he said.
He said, this year’s outbreak has resulted in a loss of output by almost 70 per cent, pushing tomato prices higher by 450 per cent.
According to TOGAN, “In the current season, the infestation had led to losses of millions of dollars, causing shortages. It had not only eaten into the income of farmers but also hoteliers.”
He said, for stakeholders in the hospitality industry, the infestation posed a high risk to the cost of food production in restaurants.
He said for stakeholders in the hospitality industry, the infestation posed a high risk to the cost of food production in restaurants.
Moreover, the infestation presents a considerable risk to the hospitality industry, particularly in terms of food production costs for restaurants. The increased prices of tomatoes and potential shortages can significantly affect their operational expenses.
In this challenging scenario, seeking professional pest control near me becomes essential to mitigate the impact of such devastating pest infestations. Professional pest control services can help safeguard agricultural yields and protect various industries from the financial and operational risks associated with pest-related challenges.
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