Egyptian farmers are facing a new challenge with the spread of 'Tota absoluta', a pest known as the tomato moth, which threatens to significantly reduce tomato production. According to Hussein Abu Sadam, head of the Egyptian Farmers' Syndicate, the pest causes considerable damage to tomato crops, leading to financial losses for farmers and a decrease in land productivity. The tomato moth infects tomato fruits, causing holes or larvae inside, which affects their quality and market value.
The tomato moth has become a major concern for Egyptian farmers, who cultivate tomatoes throughout the year, making it difficult for them to predict the timing of planting, harvesting, and expected returns, especially with unstable prices. Abu Sadam described tomatoes as a "crazy" crop for farmers due to the uncertainty surrounding its cultivation. This instability affects farmers' decisions and profits, making it challenging for them to plan and invest in their crops.
Infected tomato crops are often sold at lower prices, ranging from 10 to 15 Egyptian pounds, compared to healthy crops, which are sold at higher prices. This significant price difference exacerbates farmers' losses. Abu Sadam noted that some infected tomatoes are sold at a lower price due to their poor quality, which further reduces farmers' income. The sale of infected crops at lower prices also affects the overall market value of tomatoes.
The problem worsens as some pesticides used to control the tomato moth have become less effective, with the pest showing resistance to certain chemicals. This makes it harder for farmers to control the infestation and protect their crops. Abu Sadam emphasized that the reduced effectiveness of pesticides complicates the efforts to combat the spread of the tomato moth, putting farmers at a greater risk of losing their crops.
The tomato moth can lead to a substantial decline in the productivity of infected lands. For instance, a feddan that typically yields around 1,500 "عداية" (a unit of measurement for tomato production) may produce less than 700 عداية in some cases due to the infestation. This significant reduction in productivity affects farmers' livelihoods and the overall tomato supply in the market.
The spread of the tomato moth poses a considerable challenge to Egyptian farmers, particularly in light of fluctuating tomato prices and production costs. This increases the risks associated with cultivating tomatoes, making it more difficult for farmers to maintain profitability. The Egyptian Farmers' Syndicate is likely to play a crucial role in addressing this issue and finding solutions to support affected farmers.
To mitigate the impact of the tomato moth, farmers and agricultural authorities must work together to develop effective strategies for controlling the pest and supporting farmers who have been affected. This may involve introducing new, more effective pesticides or exploring alternative methods for managing the infestation. The Egyptian government and agricultural sector must collaborate to minimize the losses and ensure the long-term sustainability of tomato production in Egypt.
Key points
- The tomato moth has been reported to show resistance to some pesticides, making it harder to control.
- Infected tomato crops are often sold at significantly lower prices, exacerbating farmers' losses.
- The pest can lead to a substantial decline in the productivity of infected lands, affecting farmers' livelihoods and the overall tomato supply.
