Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to combat an invasion of quelea birds threatening rice farms across several parts of the state as farmers commence wet-season cultivation.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Friday at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the commissioner, the migratory birds have invaded major Fadama farming areas, posing a significant threat to rice production and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
ALSO READ: Senator Sharafadeen Alli: The strategic choice for a greater Oyo State
Mu’azu revealed that the infestation was detected within the last 72 hours, with reports already indicating substantial damage to some early-planted rice fields.
He explained that quelea birds, widely regarded as one of the most destructive agricultural pests in Africa, travel in massive flocks and are capable of devastating large expanses of grain crops within a short period.
“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 the affected local government areas as Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Argungu, Kalgo, and Bunza, where large concentrations of the birds have been sighted.
He acknowledged the concerns of farmers and assured them that the state government was taking immediate action to prevent widespread crop losses.
“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 across the state,” Mu’azu stated.
He disclosed that Governor Nasir Idris had directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to activate emergency response measures immediately after receiving reports of the infestation.
As part of the intervention, the ministry has deployed agricultural extension officers and crop protection specialists to affected communities to monitor bird movements, assess the extent of damage, and coordinate control operations.
According to Mu’azu, surveillance teams have already identified nine major roosting sites across the affected areas, enabling authorities to target the birds more effectively.
He further revealed that ground spraying operations using Fenthion 5EC, a pesticide commonly deployed against quelea birds, have already commenced.
“We have already begun ground spraying exercises, and the results recorded so far have been encouraging,” he said.
The commissioner added that preparations for aerial spraying operations are underway and will commence once all necessary regulatory approvals are obtained.
He noted that aerial intervention remains one of the most effective methods of controlling large-scale quelea infestations, particularly in areas with extensive rice cultivation.
Kebbi State is one of Nigeria’s leading rice-producing states and plays a critical role in the country’s food security and agricultural development agenda.
The latest invasion has therefore raised concerns among farmers and stakeholders, especially at a time when efforts are being intensified to boost local rice production and reduce dependence on imported grains.
Agricultural experts warn that if left unchecked, quelea birds can cause severe economic losses by destroying rice, millet, sorghum, and other cereal crops, affecting both food availability and farmers’ incomes.
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting affected farmers and ensuring that ongoing control measures prevent the infestation from escalating into a major agricultural crisis.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV