The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai on Monday revealed that 80 percent of the tomato produced in the state had been ravaged by pests and diseases, leading to serious scarcity. Specifically, the governor declared a state of emergency in tomato production in the state, saying all hands must be on deck to combat various pests and diseases ravaging tomato. A species of moth attacks the leaves of tomato to cause a disease condition called ‘Tuta Absoluta’. The larva produced by the moth feed voraciously upon tomato plants, causing a yield loss of 100%. El-Rufai said tomato had been destroyed in three local government of the state with a loss of N1bn monthly.

The governor spoke through his Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Manzo Maigari. He said some officials of the state ministry of agriculture had been sent to Kenya in order to learn how to combat the menace, adding that over 200 farmers had lost tomato produce to pests and diseases. “I want to say that Governor Nasir el-Rufai has declared a state of emergency in tomato production in the state.

This is as a result of the invasion of the crop by a pest botanically known as ‘Tuta Absoluta’. “It is so severe that even Dangote, who has established a tomato processing plant in Kano, had to shut down production [temporarily]," he added.

Source:- http://sodeeqstar..com/2016/05/reason-why-tomatoes-are-very-expensive.html

I think Dangote opened a new tomato paste factory in the north and told farmers he will pay cash to them if they bring their harvests to his factory. Its cheaper to supply to him than sell elsewhere. My theory though

nwanna89:
I think Dangote opened a new tomato paste factory in the north and told farmers he will pay cash to them if they bring their harvests to his factory. Its cheaper to supply to him than sell elsewhere. My theory though

He just closed operations due to the aforementioned tomato disease.

Did pests and diseases destroy rice too?

Did pests and diseases destroy the economy?

Is pests and disease the cause of the rising unemployment?

I normally don't join issues with you political people but you guys need to stop talking nonsense. Pest and diseases cannot attack all the tomato farms in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi and even neighbouring Chad and Niger all at once.

It's a lack of policy direction from the incumbent Government that has destroyed the tomato market, rice market and all other commodity market in Nigeria.

Once again, I urge you to stop talking s*it.

Na buhari badluck cause ham.

Will there be scarcity if every state takes agriculture serious?. Small time, people go dey blame government. Nigerians have boycotted agriculture and i can beat my chest, "Its the main reason for Nigeria economic setback"

nwanna89:
I think Dangote opened a new tomato paste factory in the north and told farmers he will pay cash to them if they bring their harvests to his factory. Its cheaper to supply to him than sell elsewhere. My theory though

The factory has been shut down indefinitely due to this ailing tomato issue.

oh God help us. since that dullard called Booharii entered power it has been one problem after another. How did we even get here :-

qualityalone:
oh God help us. since that dullard called Booharii entered power it has been one problem after another. How did we even get here :-

That may not be the reason just that fall in price of oil which is our main source of income has led way to another. Wish Buhari well so it can be well for all of us.