Zamfara Farmers Calls for Gov’t Help as Bird destroy over 250 hectares farmland.

News in Brief:

—Farmers in Zamfara call on the government to tackle bird attacks that have destroyed crops on about 250 hectares and affected approximately 1,500 farmers.

—The State's bird control unit confirmed receipt of reports and promises prompt action to contain the invasion locally.

A group of farmers participating in the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara have called on the state government for urgent help against the ongoing destruction of crops on their farms by invading birds.

The farmers, spread across Talata, Mafara, Bakura and Maradun local governments, made their plea through the Chairman of the Bakalori Water Users Association, Yakubu Yahaya, during a recent interaction with journalists in Talata Mafara.

Yahaya revealed that over 1,500 farmers operating under the irrigation scheme have suffered losses from the bird infestation, which has destroyed farm produce on over 250 hectares so far, a situation he described as a serious threat to food production in the area. 

He noted that the farmers have already tried many solutions within their means, which have not been very effective, hence the call for government support. 

“We have tried all available methods to control the birds, but they keep ravaging our farmlands. As I speak, birds have destroyed farm produce on over 250 hectares. Millions of birds are directly consuming our farm produce,” he said.

Noting the scale of destruction already caused by the pests, he called for swift intervention by the relevant authorities.

Economic Threat Linked to Invasion

Yahaya warned that if this situation is not addressed urgently, it will be a major setback to the state and national economy.

Speaking to the development, the Acting Director of Bird Control at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, Mahe Bala, confirmed the ministry’s knowledge of the problem, having received reports from the affected communities.

He noted that the authorities are already taking action, with efforts underway to contain the situation while preventing damage to farms in the area.

“We are working to bring the situation under control. We have also forwarded the matter to the Minister of Agriculture for urgent federal intervention,” Mr Bala said.

Invasive bird species like the quelea birds typically ruin grain harvests in Northern Nigeria, with infestation costing farmers about $50 million annually. While the government have historically attempted solutions, stakeholders claim these responses are slow and not enough.