The
Lagos State Government has commenced training for farmers on pest control,
aimed at preventing the spread of Tuta absoluta, popularly known as ‘Tomato
Ebola’.
This
was disclosed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, in an
interview with the newsmen in Lagos. He said that what was experienced in Lagos
was just vestiges of the pest, saying “We aren’t (seriously) affected by the
pest.”
Federal
Government recently confirmed six states had been hit by the Tomato Ebola
including Lagos.
Mr.
Oluwatoyin Suarau said “But in order not to have such, we have started training
our farmers in order to prevent what was experienced in other states in Lagos.”
The
commissioner noted that the training was part of the measures the state
government has decided to adopt, in order to prevent infection of the farm
produce in the state.
Suarau
argued that high cost of farm produce, especially tomatoes require that farmers
are constantly re-trained on how to control pests in their farmland.
He
stated that the state government would not relent in its effort to partner
every citizen in ensuring food security in the state.
He
however appealed to resident not to entertain any fear, saying: “We have the
facilities and technicality to prevent such occurrence in Lagos.”
