With the recent outbreak of Quela birds, locusts, and grasshoppers in farmlands across the local government areas of Bauchi state, the state government has approved the sum of N45 million for the procurement of agrochemical and other equipment to fight the pests.
Governor Bala Mohammed while flagging off aerial spray against Quelea birds at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport Bauchi on Monday said that the move was to ensure timely and effective control of the outbreak due to its emergency need.
Represented by the state Commissioner of Agriculture, Prof. Simon Madugu Yalams, the Governor said the agricultural sector employs over 75% population of the State, describing it as the backbone of the Bauchi economy.
“The bird is one of the most dangerous agricultural pests devastating crop production, threatening food security not only in Nigeria but Africa in General.
“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) in just one day.
“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,” he said.
Mohammed stated that the agricultural transformation policies of the Federal Government has increased yield and production, especially grains which attracted Quelea birds and other pests in the 12 frontline States of Northern Nigeria including Bauchi State.
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.
He cautioned people against consuming any of the dead birds resulting from the spray, as they pose a significant poisoning risk.
