The Kebbi State Government has intensified efforts to combat the recent invasion of quelea birds threatening rice farms and food production across several local government areas of the state.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Hall in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture said migratory quelea birds had invaded fadama areas in Argungu, Gwandu, Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo and Bunza local government areas within the last 72 hours.
The commissioner described the infestation as a serious threat to the state’s dry-season rice production, noting that the birds move in massive flocks and are capable of destroying an entire hectare of grain within a few hours.
According to him, field assessments have already revealed significant damage to early-planted rice fields, raising concerns among farmers across the affected areas.
He, however, assured farmers that the state government remains committed to protecting livelihoods and ensuring food security.
The commissioner disclosed that Governor Nasir Idris had directed the Ministry of Agriculture to activate its emergency response plan immediately after reports of the infestation were received.
As part of the response, agricultural extension agents and crop protection officers have been deployed to map infested zones and monitor bird movements on a daily basis.
He added that the government has secured supplies of Fenthion 5EC and commenced ground control operations, which he said have recorded considerable success.
The commissioner further revealed that the government had engaged an experienced aerial surveillance and pest control company to carry out aerial operations targeting high-density and hard-to-reach roosting sites.
He explained that the aerial spraying exercise would commence once the necessary approvals were obtained from relevant security agencies and aviation regulators.
In addition, the ministry’s crop protection team has begun conducting daily field demonstrations to educate farmers on safe and effective control methods.
The state government has also activated an early warning system through radio jingles broadcast in Hausa, English, and local dialects across eight radio stations.
The commissioner urged farmers not to harvest or consume birds killed during spraying operations, warning that the avicide used in the exercise is toxic to humans and livestock.
He also advised them to report bird roosting sites at night rather than during the day to improve the effectiveness of control operations.
The commissioner cautioned against the use of unapproved chemicals, saying improper pesticide use poses serious risks to human health and the environment.
He announced that a second phase of aerial spraying would be carried out once the required permits were secured, adding that Kebbi State was collaborating with neighbouring states to coordinate cross-border control measures.
“Quelea birds do not respect local government boundaries, making regional cooperation essential in tackling the infestation,” he said.
The commissioner commended traditional rulers and farmers for their vigilance and cooperation, reiterating the government’s determination to safeguard agricultural production.
He assured residents that the Kebbi State government would not allow the infestation to undermine the gains recorded in the agricultural sector during the current farming season.
