Ibrahim Junior
Jigawa State, – Farmers in Jigawa State are seeking urgent assistance in the face of a devastating invasion by quela birds wreaking havoc on their agricultural produce. Rice farmers, among others, have reported significant threats to their yields due to the relentless incursion of these birds on their farms.
Malam Musa, a farmer from Auyo Local Government, lamented the destruction of three of his farms as a result of the quela birds’ invasion. “I had anticipated a harvest of at least 70 bags of rice, but due to the bird’s invasion, I only managed to gather 50 bags,” he said.
Idris Kamilu, another rice farmer from Auyo Local Government, disclosed that farmers are resorting to traditional methods to mitigate the bird’s attacks. “We are using local fish-catching nets to minimize the bird’s assault, which usually occurs early in the morning,” he explained.
In light of the severity of the situation, the farmers urgently implored both the Federal and Jigawa State governments to take immediate action and fumigate the farms in Auyo Local Government area and other affected regions across the state.
The Federated Water Users Association, Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme Auyo Local Govt Chapter, joined the appeal, urging the authorities to promptly address the quelea birds’ threat jeopardizing rice farming in the region.
The farmers’ distress call highlights the urgent need for intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture in Jigawa State.
