Bauchi State Government has approved N45 million for the procurement of agrochemicals and equipment to tackle the recent surge of pests including Quelea birds, locusts, and grasshoppers infesting farmlands across the state’s local government areas.
Governor Bala Mohammed announced this initiative during the launch of aerial spray operations against Quelea birds at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport in Bauchi, stating the urgent need for effective control measures.
While he harped on the critical role of agriculture in Bauchi’s economy, the Governor, represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Professor Simon Madugu Yalams, stated that agriculture employs over 75% of the state’s population.
The Governor pointed out that the success of federal agricultural policies, particularly in increasing crop yields has inadvertently attracted Quelea birds and other pests to the region.
According to him, the Quelea birds are highly destructive agricultural pests, capable of decimating vast quantities of grains within a short period.
With an estimated population of around 100 million, these birds pose a significant threat to food security not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
To combat this menace, the Governor outlined that aerial spraying and ground fumigation by the State Ministry of Agriculture is necessary, noting that these methods are the needed for effective pest control.
While he reassured communities about the safety of the upcoming aerial spray, the Commissioner advised against consuming any dead birds resulting from the operation due to potential risks of poisoning
