The Kebbi Government has intensified efforts to contain the invasion of quelea birds threatening rice farms across parts of the state, with plans underway to commence aerial spraying operations pending regulatory approvals.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, disclosed this on Friday during a news conference at the ministry in Birnin Kebbi.
Mu’azu said the migratory birds had invaded Fadama farming areas in several local government areas, posing serious threat to the state’s dry-season rice production.
He added that 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 Gov. Nasir Idris had directed the ministry to immediately activate its emergency response mechanism following reports of the infestation.
He noted that the ministry had deployed agricultural extension agents and crop protection officers to conduct surveillance, map affected locations and monitor bird movements on daily basis.
The commissioner disclosed that nine major roosting sites had so far been identified across the affected areas, saying “we have already commenced ground spraying operations using Fenthion 5EC and the exercise has yielded encouraging results.
“Our experts have been on ground carrying out control measures and reports from farmers indicate that the operation is producing positive outcomes.
“Some farmers informed us that they did not sight the birds in their farms today after the spraying exercise.”
The commissioner added that the government had engaged competent aerial pest-control company to undertake large-scale spraying of inaccessible roosting sites.
According to him, necessary documentation has been forwarded to relevant security agencies and aviation regulators to obtain permits required for aerial operations.
“We have dispatched requests for necessary approvals and will commence aerial spraying immediately after obtaining the permits.
“In the meantime, ground control operations will continue across the affected communities,” he said.
Mu’azu also said that the ministry’s crop protection team was conducting daily field demonstrations on safe and effective bird-control techniques, while an early warning campaign had been activated through radio broadcasts in Hausa, English and local languages.
He cautioned farmers against consuming dead quelea birds found in sprayed areas, warning that the chemicals used during the operation could pose serious health risks to humans and livestock.
“Farmers and members of the public should not harvest, process or eat birds killed during spraying operations because they contain toxic chemicals.
“We also advise farmers to report roosting sites during the night when the birds are settled, as this improves the effectiveness of control measures,” he said.
The commissioner further warned against the use of unapproved chemicals, stressing that indiscriminate application could endanger public health and damage the environment.
He commended traditional rulers, community leaders and farmers for their vigilance and cooperation in combating the infestation.
Mu’azu reiterated the government’s determination to safeguard agricultural investments and prevent the birds from undermining gains recorded in the state’s food production efforts.
“We will not allow quelea birds to reverse the progress we have made in agriculture this season. The government remains committed to protecting farms and ensuring food security across Kebbi state,” he assured. (NAN)
