* Plans aerial spray to contain influx
From Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
In its efforts to contain the invasion of quelea birds that are threatening the rice farms across parts of the state, the Kebbi State Government has killed thousands of quelea birds that are devastating the rice farmlands in five local governments in the state.
The state also said that plans are underway to commence aerial spraying operations pending regulatory approvals.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, said that the government, through the ministry, immediately activated the control mechanism and killed thousands of the birds ravaging farmlands in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Bunza, Gwandu, and Argungu through rapid spray of chemicals by trained agri experts.
On plans for aerial attack to completely annihilate them, Mu’azu said that the ministry is waiting for approval from security agencies and aviation for space permission, because there are many no fly zones due to security concerns.
”We will continue with the ground operation where humans can reach to kill and chase them away from farmlands in the affected local councils, and to also prevent the spread of the birds to yet to be affected farms in the state,” he said.
Mu’azu warned members of the public against consuming the dead birds, saying chemicals used in killing them are also harmful to humans.
”Therefore, human beings must stay away from the birds,” he warned.
He stressed that the state government is committed to protecting farmlands against migrating birds, even as he commiserated with farmers whose farms were devastated before the response as the birds caught everyone unawares.
As part of continuous efforts to contain the birds spread, Mu’azu said that Kebbi State Government is working closely with neighbouring states, like Sokoto and Zamfara to stem the scourge he added.