The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has taken swift action in response to reports of quelea bird invasions on farms across several states.
The ministry has initiated a large-scale field spray of pesticide to combat the situation and protect vast plantations in the affected areas on Saturday May 4, 2024.
Malama Rukayya Abdullahi Tunau, the head of pest control service for Kano and Jigawa states within the ministry, emphasized the significant investment the federal government has made in the agricultural sector, particularly during the dry season.
It’s unfortunate that the quelea birds are currently posing a serious threat to farms in some regions. However, the ministry is committed to assisting farmers by conducting the spray free of charge.
Tunau also highlighted the importance of farmers utilizing other methods to control the birds while awaiting assistance from the ministry.
Additionally, the ministry has established several intervention centers across the affected states where farmers can seek immediate support against quelea bird attacks.
The states affected by the invasion include Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe, Gombe, Katsina, Taraba, Borno, and Adamawa.
While the spray has already been carried out in some states, the operation is still ongoing to reach all affected areas.
Sagir Muhammed Baranda, speaking on behalf of the farmers, expressed gratitude for the prompt intervention by the federal government.
He believes that such measures will significantly aid farmers in reducing the impact of quelea bird invasions and prevent substantial losses within the agricultural sector.
