Kebbi Government Acts Against Quelea Bird Invasion

The Kebbi State Government is intensifying efforts to contain a quelea bird invasion that threatens rice farms across several parts of Kebbi State. Shehu Mu Azu, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, disclosed that the invasion poses a significant threat to rice production and the livelihoods of farmers as they begin wet season cultivation.

The Agricultural Commission reported that the migratory birds have invaded major fadama farm areas, with damage detected in rice fields within the last 72 hours. Quelea birds are known as destructive agricultural pests in Africa, capable of destroying vast areas of grain crops in a short time.

Urgent measures are being implemented to control the situation, with the commission identifying the worst-affected local government areas, including Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Argungu, Kalgo, and Bunza. Agricultural extension officers have been deployed to monitor bird movements and assess damage, while ground spraying operations using pesticides have commenced, with preparations for aerial spraying pending regulatory approval.