After reports of quelea bird invasion in some farms across states, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a mass field spray of pesticide to address the situation and save huge fields of plantations across the affected states.
Speaking during the spray exercise, Kano/Jigawa head of pest control service in the ministry, Malam Rukayya Abdullahi Tunau, stated that the federal government had made huge investment in the agricultural sector, especially during the dry-season, adding that it is unfortunate that the birds are currently posing a serious threat to farms in some areas hence the ministry’s resolve to come to farmers aid and conduct the spray free of charge.
She added that farmers have been encouraged to use other means of controlling the birds before assistance from the ministry reaches them. She also revealed that the ministry had instituted several centres across the affected states that farmers can access for immediate intervention against the bird’s attack.
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According to her, the states affected include Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe, Gombe, Katsina, Taraba, Borno and Adamawa, noting that already the spray has been conducted in some states and the exercise is still ongoing.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Sagir Muhammed Baranda stated that the prompt intervention by the federal government will surely assist farmers in the reduction of the bird’s invasion, adding that such interventions will no doubt save hundreds of farmers from running at a loss.
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