The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, addressed the ongoing tomato scarcity and price hike in various parts of the country.

According to the minister, the scarcity is caused by a severe infestation known as “Tomato Ebola” or “Tomato leaf miner,” which has significantly affected tomato farms.

The infestation has drastically reduced the availability of tomatoes, leading to a sharp increase in prices. In response to this issue, the federal government has taken immediate action to combat the problem.

Minister Kyari announced that the ministry is deploying agricultural experts to the affected areas to contain and eliminate the infestation. Additionally, the government is providing support to farmers, offering them the necessary resources and guidance to help recover their crops as quickly as possible. This approach is similar to the recently instituted Ginger Blight Control Taskforce.

Acknowledging the impact of the tomato scarcity on the daily lives of Nigerians, the minister assured the public that the government is working tirelessly to resolve the situation and restore the supply of affordable tomatoes. He expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of the citizens during this challenging time.

Currently, tomato prices have skyrocketed ranging between N100,000 and N90,000 in the market, and most farmers are counting huge losses traceable to insects’ invasion and devastation.