Bauchi Launches Aerial Spray to Tackle Menace of Quelea Birds

Bauchi State Government has launched aerial spray to control the devastating impact of Quelea birds on farm produce

While performing the ceremony at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International airport Bauchi, Mohammed disclosed that the spray would be carried out inToro, Bauchi, Jama’are, Misau, Kirfi and Alkaleri local government areas of the state.

He disclosed that the sum of N45 million has been released for the procurement of Agrochemical and other equipments in response to a recent outbreak of insects and pests in farmlands in Kirfi, Alkaleri and some local government areas of the state.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Madugu Yalams, the governor said that the move was to ensure timely and effective control of the outbreak due to its emergency need.

The Governor described agriculture as the backbone of Bauchi economy, saying that the sector employs over 75% of the population of the State.

He said his administration has made a lot of efforts towards transforming the agricultural sector from being a way of life of the people to a business that will enhance the earning power of the teaming farming families.

The Governor added that the transformation has been carried out in order to attract investors, donor agencies and development partners both within and outside the country.

He said that the various agricultural intervention programmes in the State is meant to restructure the sector for the betterment of farmers and the entire citizens as well as create an enabling environment for investors.

The Governor added that the Agricultural transformation policies of the Federal Government has made positive impact in the sector, trading to increased yield and production, especially grains.

Mohammed further explained that the yield increase has attracted Quelea birds and other pests in the 12 frontline States of Northern Nigeria including Bauchi State, saying the bird is one of the most dangerous agricultural pests devastating crop production, threatening food security not only in Nigeria but Africa in General.

He noted that Scientists have estimated the number of Quelea birds at around 100 million, thus, a flock of 2 million Quelea birds can destroy 20 tonnes of grains (Rice, Millet or Wheat) on just one day.

The Governor revealed that the flocks of Quelea birds attack and destroy millions of hectares of agricultural farms and fields annually, leading to substantial grain deficiency in the country.

“These birds are migratory in nature, therefore, the only method of controlling these destructive pests is by aerial spray of chemicals as well as ground control by the State Ministry of Agriculture fumigation team”, the Governor emphasized.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari stated that Quela Birds causes a lot of havoc on farm produce such as Maize, rice, millet amongst others, adding that the state has risen to the occasion by combating the challenge head-on.

Represented by the State Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the minister commended the state government for its support, saying that the move will go a long way in enhancing food security in the state.

He said that the exercise will cover eight local government areas of the state to include Warji, Toro, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Shira,Misau, Jama’are and Bauchi.

The Director said that people at the affected local government areas should not to panic over the movement of the aircraft spraying the chemicals, adding that some of the Quela Birds may die as a result of inhaling the chemicals.

“We are going to ensure that we sensitize people in this local government areas not to panic if they see the aircraft hovering around he areas, but to be calm as the exercise is for their good. Also, we are also going to caution them not to eat any of the birds that eventually die as a result of the chemical as they are poisonous” he said

“The aim of the exercise is to protect farmers from eminent loss of their farm produce and to improve food security in the state.The State government has taken drastic measures to curtail the menace on ime” he said

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Bauchi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusha’u stated that the control Quela Birds was timely given the fact that farmers are experiencing massive losses in their farms even as he commended the federal government for its continuous support.