Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to contain an invasion of quelea birds threatening rice farms in several parts of the state as farmers begin wet-season cultivation.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Shehu Mu’azu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
According to him, the migratory birds have invaded major Fadama farming areas, posing a threat to rice production and the livelihoods of farmers.
Mu’azu said the infestation was detected within the last 72 hours, with reports indicating damage to some early-planted rice fields.
He explained that quelea birds, regarded as one of Africa’s most destructive agricultural pests, move in large flocks and can destroy vast areas of grain crops within a short time.
“Quelea birds can destroy an entire hectare of grain in just a few hours if urgent measures are not taken to control them,” he said.
The commissioner identified Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Argungu, Kalgo and Bunza local government areas as the worst affected, noting that large concentrations of the birds had been sighted in the areas.
He said agricultural extension officers and crop protection specialists had been deployed to monitor bird movements, assess the extent of damage and coordinate control measures.
According to him, surveillance teams have identified nine major roosting sites across the affected areas.
Mu’azu added that ground spraying operations using pesticides had commenced, while preparations were underway for aerial spraying, pending regulatory approvals.
