Governor of Kano State, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stated that control of migratory pests that attack and destroy cereals particularly rice,millet and wheat is meant to prevent loss of the crops.
According to him, the measure is in line with the Federal and State Government policy of Agricultural transformation aimed at boosting production for food security and economic stability.
The Governor represented by his Deputy Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna made the statement monday, while flagging-up the National trans-boundary aerial pest control exercise held at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport,Kano.
“Control of Quelea birds results in increase in yield of many crops per hectare and quantity of various agricultural produce we export as well as ensure safer and higher productivity says Ganduje”.
While appreciating the effort of the Federal Government for conducting aerial operation against the migratory birds in 8 local governments of the State namely:Bagwai,Bebeji,Bunkure,Garun Mallam,Kura,Makoda,Rano and Warawa in recent years, however the Governor advised the Federal Ministry Of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide nets to the farmers,destroy roosting sites and ensure use of resistant varieties of the affected crops.
In his remarks,the Minister Of Agriculture and Rural Development Alhaji Sabo Nanono explained that the 2020 Dry season control of migratory pests is commencing in 12 frontline states due to the threat the cereal production is facing over the years.
“Due to the destructive effects of these pests especially on cereal crops, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry Of Agriculture and Rural Development has been inundated with requests by State Governments to carry out speedly targeted aerial and ground control operation against the pests in order to salvage the expected rice bumper harvest Nanono said”.
He maintained that the President Buhari administration has initiated many interventions in the Agriculture sector especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world with the aim of mitigating the impact of the dreaded disease,create gainful employment and ensure socio-economic development.
“The Federal Ministry Of Agriculture and Rural Development has so far registered over 5 million farmers in the country country out of which over 500,000 are from Kano..the data gathered would help in proper documentation and ensure smooth running of agricultural activities the minister emphasised”.
He however acknowledgedthe tremendous contribution of Kano State Government to the development of agriculture adding that with cooperation among stakeholders all obstacles that will endanger food and nutritional security can be eliminated in the country.
In a statement by Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Hassan Musa Fagge said The Governor and the Minister later inspected the Flight demonstration of aerial pest control by AZMAN Group at the airport.
