by Chi Ibe

The Federal Government yesterday said the pest, Tuta absoluta, popularly known as ‘Tomato Ebola’, which is responsible for the massive destruction of tomato in farmlands, had hit all of six states in Nigeria.

It also disclosed that Nigeria spent about N80bn ($400m) annually importing tomato paste, adding that many of the imported products were substandard, as stated by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh.

During a press meet in Abuja, he said the fact that the pest reproduces quickly and the lack of knowledge has led to an epidemic spread. This sold has affected Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau and Lagos.

He however said the government has swung into action.

“The pest can also attack even pepper and Irish potato,” he said. “So we are confronting something quite serious. But the good thing is that we are tackling it right now as experts will commence work immediately. We are bringing the commissioners and governors of states to jointly attack this pest, which, if not dealt with, will create serious problems for food security in our country.”

He stated that the experts had, however, offered some varieties of tomato that grow well in the western part of the country as alternatives.

On the country’s production capacity, he said: “We have two processing plants for tomato paste in Nigeria, Erisco and Dangote, and their capacities are huge. We welcome their arrival because our annual import bill of tomato paste is about $400m and it is a good sign that we can now produce here and make money for our farmers.”

YWriter