Worm Infestation Destroys Kano’s Sugarcane Farms, ₦2bn Lost

News in Brief:

-A new worm infestation has ravaged sugarcane farms across Kano State, destroying hundreds of hectares and causing ₦2 billion losses for local farmers.

-Experts and authorities are calling for immediate scientific intervention, training, and coordinated pest control to prevent an industrial collapse.

A wave of pest infestation swept through several sugarcane-producing communities in Kano State, leaving destruction, panic, and uncertainty in its wake. The outbreak, reported in at least three local government areas, Kura, Tofa, and Garin Kaya, has destroyed hundreds of hectares of sugarcane. Industry players anticipate a severe production shortfall this season.

Farmers in affected areas estimate their combined losses at ₦2 billion, warning that if urgent steps are not taken, many may be forced out of farming entirely.

“We didn’t notice anything until we started harvesting. And by that time, it was too late. The worms had eaten deep into almost every sugarcane farm in Dan Hassan, Garin Kaya, Tofa and Gamadan,” lamented Malam Kawu Hayi, a sugarcane farmer from Kura. “We never expected the damage to be this bad.”

Livelihoods at Risk

In Gamadan, one of Kano’s largest sugarcane trading hubs, the damage has been particularly devastating. Farmers here rely almost entirely on sugarcane for income, and the pest outbreak threatens to plunge entire households into debt, food insecurity, and joblessness.

Field observations revealed blackened, hollowed-out sugarcane stalks, with farmers standing helplessly in their fields as their once-thriving plantations wilted.

“This area is the biggest producer of sugarcane in northern Nigeria,” said Malam Isah Shu’aibu, another affected farmer. “We invested everything, money, time, and energy, but there is nothing to show for it.”

Markets Feel the Shock

The ripple effects are already being felt in the markets. Traders have reported sharp price increases and reduced supply as fewer sugarcane bundles arrive from farms.

Danbaba Yunusa Dan Hassan, a major sugarcane dealer, warned that the market could soon run dry.

“If this continues, we may soon run out of sugarcane. The situation is beyond what farmers can handle. This type of worm attack is new to us, and only a coordinated response can save the situation,” he said.

Government and Expert Intervention

Farmers have since alerted local agricultural authorities, prompting the deployment of extension officers to assess the situation and recommend solutions.

Salisu Sa’ad, an agricultural extension officer in Kura, confirmed the scale of the outbreak.

“The situation is alarming and requires immediate action. We’ve submitted our findings and recommendations to the government and stakeholders to help contain the spread and minimize losses,” he reported.

Experts are calling for scientific intervention and farmer training to prevent further damage and strengthen pest management systems.

Dr Wajiha Abdullahi Mu’az, a researcher with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), described the incident as a serious agricultural emergency that demands a coordinated response.

“Farmers should seek expert guidance and apply recommended control methods carefully,” she advised. “They also need proper training on safe pesticide use to prevent misuse or over-application.”

The strange worms continue to spread across Kano’s sugarcane belt, causing devastation and raising questions about the sustainability of Nigeria’s sugarcane production if pest management is not improved.