Governor Bala Mohammed has flagged-off aerial spray to control the devastating effect of Quelea birds on farmlands in Toro, Bauchi, Jama’are, Misau, Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas of the State.
Governor Mohammed while performing the flag-off ceremony at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi, stated that the sum of N45 million had been released for the procurement of Agro-chemical and other equipment in response to a recent outbreak of insects and pests in farmlands domiciled in Kirfi, Alkaleri and some Local Government Areas of the State.
He said that the move was to ensure timely and effective control of the outbreak, due to its emergency need.
The governor, who was represented by Simon Madugu Yalams, the Commissioner for Agriculture, the governor described agriculture as backbone of Bauchi economy, saying the sector employs over 75% population of the State.
According to him, the State Government has made a lot of efforts towards transforming the agricultural sector from being a way of life of the people to a business that will enhance the earning capacity of the teaming farming families.
The governor added that the transformation had been carried out in order to attract investors, donor agencies and development partners both within and outside the Country.
He said that the various agricultural intervention programmes in the State were meant to restructure the sector for the betterment of farmers and the entire citizens as well as create an enabling environment for investors.
The governor noted that the Agricultural transformation policies of the Federal Government had made positive impact in the sector, from trading to increased yield and production, especially grains.
He further explained that the yield increase had attracted Quelea birds and other pests in the 12 frontline States of Northern Nigeria, including Bauchi State, saying that the bird is one of the most dangerous agricultural pests devastating crop production, threatening food security not only in Nigeria but Africa in general.
He noted that Scientists had 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) on just one day.
The governor stated 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.
“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.
