A new destructive type of pest is causing tomato and other horticultural crop farmers’ sleepless nights in the country.
Farmers are now wary that the new leaf miner pest is likely to cause them massive losses if not checked.
The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Programme has said the migratory leaf miner, scientifically known as “Tuta absoluta”, originated from South America. The leaf miner, discovered seven years ago, is considered an economically damaging pest that can have a devastating effect if not arrested in good time.
Agriculture, Livestock and fisheries Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei said the spread of the insect for long distances is as a result of tomato trade. He added that the pest has the ability to move several kilometres by flying or drifting with the wind.
Koskei said there is a huge threat to the horticultural sector in the country. Tomato farming generates more than Sh14 billion annually.
The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) said the pest has so far been identified in Kirinyaga, Nairobi, Njoro, Meru, Kakamega, Lamu and Loitoktok.
The leaf miner moth also attacks other vegetable crops, including eggplants, peppers and potatoes. The USDA report added that the pest lays its eggs on the underside of the leaves, and penetrates into the stem and eventually to the fruits destroying up to 70 percent of the crops.
Farms in Bahati have been devastated following a previous attack by the pest. The farmers could not hide their desperation as they lamented the high price of pesticides.
Local stakeholders have urged the government to move with speed and subsidise pesticides and pheromone traps to make them affordable to farmers. They said they can only salvage their crops if the prices are reduced.