Following the devastating effect of Tuta absolute pest on tomato and the resistance trend exhibited by the pest over the years, HortiNigeria – a Dutch funded horticulture program implemented in Kano and three other states in the country in collaboration with some other partners, has launched an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Campaign to educate and empower value chain actors, especially small holder farmers, on effective pest management strategies to effectively manage the attack of Tuta absoluta on tomato.
Briefing newsmen during a media tour to demonstration site at Gidan Kwari in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, HortiNigeria lead sector enhancement officer Abdullahi Umar stated that the IPM techniques involve almost all measures that range from cultural, improved farming practices, and the use of safe pesticide.
He explained that the campaign aims at reaching at least 5000 farmers in Kano and the surrounding areas. According to him, the fight against Tuta pest is a collective responsibility that needs all hands to be on deck for positive response to the implementation of the IPM techniques.
“Tuta absoluta pest is a stubborn pest that is very difficult and very expensive to manage. That is why NortiNigeria came up with the IPM strategies that involve all measures of managing the pest, which research proved to be more effective and affordable,” he said.
Similarly, Communication Coordinator of the project Feyikemi Adurogbangba stated that the media tour would a platform to educate and enlighten stakeholders about IPM strategies and also equip the media with the needed expertise that will help in disseminating the news on ways to combat this serious pest and also to assist in reducing farmers’ losses.
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