The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the hike in the price of tomatoes is due to an infestation known as Tomato Ebola, which reduced its availability.
In a post on the microblogging platform X, Kyari responded to a concerned user who highlighted the exorbitant prices, noting, “the cost of tomatoes is out of control; it’s like they are charging us per seed.” Kyari explained that many tomato farms have been severely affected by Tomato Ebola, also known as Tomato Leaf Miner.
Kyari assured the public that the ministry is taking steps to address the issue. “We have outlined plans to combat the infestation, which include deploying agricultural experts to the affected areas to control and eliminate the infestation. We are also supporting farmers with resources and guidance to help them recover their crops quickly,” he stated.
In his post, the minister wrote, “A significant number of our tomato farms have been affected by a severe infestation known as Tomato Ebola or Tomato Leaf Miner. This has drastically reduced the availability of tomatoes and contributed to rising costs. We understand the impact this has on your daily lives and are working tirelessly to resolve the situation and restore the supply of affordable tomatoes. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.”
The price hike in tomatoes is part of a broader trend affecting essential food commodities. As of March 2024, the prices of rice, beans, maize, plantains, and tomatoes surged by 25.34 percent to 40.01 percent. The ministry’s efforts to tackle the Tomato Ebola infestation are crucial in mitigating further price increases and ensuring food security.
