The Kano State chairman of Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN), Sani Danladi, has revealed that Tuta absoluta, one of the most devastating pests affecting tomato crops, has resurfaced in the state, destroying farms.

In 2016, Tuta absoluta ravaged many tomato farms across Nigeria which resulted in farmers losing over half of their anticipated harvest, whilst causing an astronomical increase in the tomato market price.

It was also reported that tomato farmers in Kano State alone lost over N2 billion to Tuta absoluta in 2016.

Mr Danladi noted that tomato farmers in Kano also lost a lot at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, Saadi Ali, a Kano tomato farmer said all his effort to prevent the outbreak of the pest in his farm came to no avail.