A Group Known as HortiNigeria has launched an enlightenment campaign against a Tomato disease called Tuta Absoluta in Bunkure Local Government of Kano state, Northwest Nigeria.
The lead, Enhancing Sector Coordination HortiNigeria Abdullahi Umar while interacting with farmers explained that, the aim of the campaign was not only to mitigate the damage caused by the pest but also to foster a synergy between farmers and suppliers of specialized agricultural solutions.
“We tried to demonstrate to farmers how best to control Tuta Absoluta using the integrated pest management which is a combination of all the topics.”
Umar said, because the crop disease Tuta affects small holder farmers, the group deemed it necessary to interact and educate the tomato farmers to enable them know the chemical and biological pest method of Integrated Pest Management IPM for a greater Tuta management both environmentally and economically.
“As you are aware, small holder farmers are largely the producing Tomato for us in the country and the are the ones usually affected by this crop disease Tuta.”
He noted that, the group focuses on Tuta Absoluta due to large intake and use of Tomato in Nigeria as well as heavy investment by farmers in Tomato production.
Umar identified having knowledge of the farm, spacing in growing the Tomatoes and using loamy soil as best methods in mitigating Tuta Absoluta.
He called on the farmers to ensure collaboration with the extension workers in order to control Tuta Absoluta.
“Tuta Absoluta is very destructive, it affects most of the farmers and it is key we work as a team to address Tuta Absoluta.”
Also, Technical specialist from Eastwesteed Knowledge Transfer Nigeria Mr. Sabastine Agada Obaje, said, enlightenment campaign is necessary in order grow healthy tomatoes and promote business.
“What we have done in the farm is one of the campaigns we have to fight against Tuta Absoluta especially for those farmers who are into Tomato production”.
He added that, ones a farm get infested with Tuta Absoluta it will lead zero yield calling on farmers rise up and face the challenge of Tuta Absoluta by taking measures.
Also, the Communication Coordinator of HortiNigeria, Feyikemi Adurogbangba believed that, the program targeting 5,000will farmer in Kano will enhance food security.
HortiNigeria, is a Dutch-funded horticultural program operating in key states including Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo states.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
