By Olaide Ajibola, JKNMedia Reporter
SHEDDING light on the alarming scarcity and exorbitant prices of tomatoes across the country, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, has attributed the crisis to a severe infestation plaguing the tomato crop.
He referred to the infestation as “Tomato Ebola” or “Tomato Leaf Miner,” emphasizing its detrimental impact on tomato farms nationwide.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has taken swift action by dispatching agricultural experts to the affected regions to address the pressing issue.
In some areas, reports indicate that a basket of tomatoes is being sold for as high as N150,000, causing significant strain on consumers and businesses alike.
Speaking on the matter, the Minister stated, “A significant number of our tomato farms have fallen victim to a severe infestation known as Tomato Ebola or Tomato Leaf Miner. This has led to a drastic reduction in tomato availability and a surge in prices.”
He assured the public of the government’s proactive measures, stating, “Our ministry is mobilizing agricultural experts to affected areas to contain and eradicate the infestation. Furthermore, we are providing farmers with essential resources and guidance to expedite the recovery of their crops, similar to the approach taken with the Ginger Blight Control Taskforce.”
Acknowledging the impact of the crisis on daily life, Kyari reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the situation swiftly and restoring access to affordable tomatoes for all.
The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Food Price Watch report for April underscores the severity of the situation, revealing a staggering year-on-year increase in tomato prices. Additionally, the SBM Intelligence’s Jollof Rice Index indicates a significant rise in the cost of preparing this staple dish, further exacerbating the financial strain on households across the nation.
