Tomato farmers in Northern parts of Nigeria are currently combating the Tomato leaf miner. Apparently, it has threatened to push the cost of tomatoes up by 450 percent and led to a loss of 70 percent in output. State Chairman of the Tomato Out Growers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Yadakwari, said: “The farmers cannot get even 10 percent of what they have invested in tomato cultivation this season. The tomato farmers’ association has said this year’s outbreak has resulted in a loss of output by almost 70 percent, pushing tomato prices higher by 450 percent.”
In the current season, the infestation has led to losses of millions of dollars, causing shortages. It added that it had not only eaten into the income of farmers but also hoteliers.
Source: punchng.com