Farmers under the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme in Talata Mafara, Bakura and Maradun Local Government Areas of Zamfara have appealed for urgent government intervention following a massive bird invasion that has destroyed crops on more than 250 hectares of farmland.
The Chairman of the Bakalori Water Users Association, Malam Yakubu Yahaya, made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Thursday in Talata Mafara.
Yahaya said more than 1,500 farmers had been affected, describing the situation as devastating.
“We have tried all available methods to control the birds, but they continue to ravage our farmlands,” he said.
“As I speak, birds have destroyed crops on over 250 hectares of farmland. Millions of birds are directly feeding on our produce.”
According to him, the situation requires immediate intervention from government.
“An emergency response is needed from governments at all levels to save the remaining farmlands.
“About 1,500 farmers are currently affected by this disaster.
“If this situation is not addressed urgently, it will be a major setback to the state and national economy,” he warned.
When contacted, the Acting Director of Bird Control at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Mahe Bala, confirmed the invasion.
He said the state government had received reports of the infestation and was taking steps to contain it.
“We are working to bring the situation under control,” Bala said.
“We have also forwarded the matter to the Minister of Agriculture for urgent federal intervention.”
Source: (NAN)
