FG Declares Tomato, Sugarcane Pests National Emergency

By: Julian Osamoto

The Federal Government has flagged off an emergency intervention to tackle the spread of Tuta absoluta and the African Sugarcane Borer, pests threatening tomato and sugarcane production nationwide

 

A statement by

Head, Department of Information Ezeaja Ikemefuna says the programme was launched at the Federal Crop Production Technology Transfer Station in Dan Hassan, Kano.

 

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the outbreak as a national agricultural emergency, warning that the infestations are affecting harvests, farmer incomes and agro-industrial investments.

According to the statement, the initiative will sensitise farmers and extension workers, provide approved pest control inputs, as well as deploy integrated pest management strategies to contain the ongoing spread.

The minister noted that tomato production remains a major source of livelihood for small holder farmers, supporting millions of jobs in farming, processing, transportation and marketing.

However, recurring pest attacks and post-harvest losses continue to undermine productivity.

He affirmed that sugarcane production, which contributes to job creation, ethanol and bio-energy development, is also under serious threat from the African Sugarcane Borer.

Senator Abdullahi stressed that timely intervention, farmer education and federal-state collaboration are critical to preventing further losses.

He assured that agricultural inputs distributed under the programme would reach genuine farmers.

The minister also announced the upgrade of the pest control division to a full Federal Department of Plant Health and Pest Control Services, aimed at strengthening response capacity and protecting strategic crops nationwide.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, noting that the release of improved tomato varieties in 2025 was part of efforts to boost resilience in the sector.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, noted that the state’s agricultural policies align with federal efforts to promote food sovereignty and economic diversification.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the intervention as science-driven and strategic, noting that Kano was selected because of its role as a major hub for irrigated agriculture and horticultural production.

The intervention includes farmer sensitisation on early pest detection, safe control measures and proper field hygiene, as well as the distribution of approved pest control inputs, practical manuals and protective equipment.

Farmers have been urged to avoid indiscriminate pesticide use and to follow expert guidance to protect public health and the environment.

The Federal Government says the success of the programme will depend on sustained collaboration between farmers, state authorities and agricultural extension officers.