As the wet season planting commences across Kebbi State, the government has intensified efforts to contain the invasion of quelea birds threatening rice farms with the commencement of aerial spraying operations pending regulatory approvals.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, disclosed this on Friday when he briefed newsmen.
Mu’azu said the migratory birds had invaded Fadama farming areas in several local government areas, posing a serious threat to the state’s dry-season rice production.
According to him, the infestation was recorded within the last 72 hours, with significant damage already reported in some early-planted rice fields.
He explained that quelea birds, known for moving in massive flocks, could destroy an entire hectare of grain within a few hours if left unchecked.
He said: “The affected areas include Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Argungu, Kalgo, and Bunza Local Government Areas, where the birds have been sighted in large numbers.
“We understand the anxiety this development is causing our farmers, but I want to assure them that the government is fully committed to protecting their livelihoods and ensuring food security.”
Mu’azu said Governor Nasir Idris had directed the ministry to immediately activate its emergency response mechanism following reports of the infestation.
He said the ministry had deployed agricultural extension agents and crop protection officers to conduct surveillance, map affected locations and monitor bird movements on a daily basis.He disclosed that nine major roosting sites had so far been identified across the affected areas.
He said: We have already commenced ground spraying operations using Fenthion 5EC and the exercise has yielded encouraging results.”
