Quelea birds: Gov. Idris flags off 2023 aerial spray of migratory pests
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has flagged off 2023 aerial operation for the control of migratory pests across the frontline local government areas of the state.
Idris, while flagged off the control operation on Saturday in Birnin kebbi, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring food security in the state.
He said, “The pests, especially Quelea birds are a serious threat to the production of cereal crops.
“The control measure is also necessary in order to ensure undisrupted agricultural activities in this year’s farming season.
“It is a great pleasure to mark the commencement of the 2023 wet season control of migratory pests in the state.”
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala, said the state government was determined to fight any menace that would truncate the tremendous successes in agricultural sector in the state.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Joel Aiki, described the intervention as “timely”, saying that farmers had just harvested their dry season rice and millets.
” As the wet season is maturing, farmers are busy in their farms to ensure bumper wet season harvest, Quelea birds have started attacking us.
“The state stands as a corridor through which the pests gain entrance from Benin and Niger Republics.
” Some are existing in the state, and they roost, hence they have commenced their bad activities. This is very bad for food production and food security in the state, ” he said.
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Speaking on behalf of the Yomed Nigeria Limited and Aixel Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Samaila Yombe-Dabai, who is former Deputy Gov.ernor if the state said that the aerial spray would be conducted in Argungu, Bagudo and Kalgo local government areas of the state.
He called on the state government to sign an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the company to position itself by for prompt response of any unexpected pests attack.
He commended the state government for trusting the company, while assuring that the operation would be done perfectly according to the specification and expectations.
