In Kano State, tomato farmers have faced substantial financial setbacks, with losses exceeding N2 billion due to an invasion of caterpillar insects. Mukhtar Kura, Chairman of M.K. Kura Farms in Butalawa, Kura Local Government Area, detailed the severe impact of the infestation on the agricultural sector.
The invasion, which occurred simultaneously as a previous incident in 2023, affected over 5,000 hectares of tomatoes and vegetables, particularly in Bagwai and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas. The pests, identified as Sharoon caterpillars, a species unfamiliar to the farmers, inflicted damage within a 24-hour period, prompting calls for governmental assistance. Efforts to mitigate the losses include recommendations from agricultural experts, such as Engr Daniel Ijeh, who suggests the application of Emamectin Benzoate on crops to prevent further infestations.
[ N100 = €0.07 ]
Source: vanguardngr.com