The planters have been complaining for some time about the appearance of the “tomato leafminer” (Tuta Absoluta), which attacks food crops, particularly the love apple, but also the potato, eggplant and brèdes. According to them, this insect is responsible for a decline in the production of these vegetables. “If this insect pests agriculture continues to spread, it will affect greatly the production of vegetables in the coming weeks. As a result, prices could rise dramatically, “they say.
Authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agricultural Research Institute (FAREI), confirm the appearance of this insect. Its officers made a statement late last week in a dozen localities, mainly in the north and east of the country. In a statement, the ministry informs the population, especially planters, that the Pest Monitoring Committee exercises “strict surveillance” in the regions concerned. “The situation is not alarming,” he says.