Tomato farmers applaud new pest control technology

Tomato farmers in parts of northern Nigeria are reporting improved pest control and higher yields following the introduction of a new pest management initiative designed to tackle the destructive Tuta absoluta pest that has devastated tomato production in recent years. The initiative is being implemented by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) under the coordination […]

Tomato farmers in parts of northern Nigeria are reporting improved pest control and higher yields following the introduction of a new pest management initiative designed to tackle the destructive Tuta absoluta pest that has devastated tomato production in recent years.

The initiative is being implemented by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) under the coordination of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The programme is being carried out in collaboration with international partners, including Razbio UK and the Federal University of Lavras in Brazil.

According to the lead researcher on the project, Dr Oke Abiola, the programme is funded by Innovate UK Business Connect and is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security by protecting tomato production across the value chain.

Abiola explained that the invasive pest, Tuta absoluta—locally known as “Sharon”—has remained a major threat to tomato farms since it first appeared in Nigeria in 2015, causing severe losses for farmers across the country.

To address the problem, NIHORT developed an indigenous Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package designed to control the pest while reducing farmers’ reliance on chemical pesticides.

The package includes two patented bio-pesticides—NIHORT-Lyptol and NIHORT-Raktin—solar-powered Tuta trap trays and an improved tomato seed variety known as HORTITOM 1.

Abiola revealed that the improved tomato variety was released under the leadership of the institute’s Executive Director, Prof M. L. Attanda, as part of broader efforts to reduce pest infestation and boost tomato productivity in Nigeria.

The project is currently being implemented in Plateau State, Kaduna State and Kano State, where selected farmers have been trained and supported with the pest management package.

Farmers participating in the programme said they have already recorded thousands of trapped Tuta insects in the trap trays, a development that has significantly reduced their dependence on insecticides and improved tomato yields.

One of the farmers, Amadu Kadawa, said the new technology has provided a more effective and sustainable solution to the pest challenge.

“If Tuta surfaces on your farm, you are finished because you will keep buying and spraying pesticides without seeing any positive result,” he said.

“Even if you are lucky to harvest something, the produce may not be safe for consumption because of the excessive chemicals applied.

“However, this system is more realistic and effective. We have seen the results and we have adopted it,” Kadawa said.