As part of the nationwide pest management program of the federal government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has started aerial spraying of crops in Kebbi and many other frontline states.
Kebbi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Taraba are the states that are on the front lines.
Speaking yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, during the launch of the spray against migratory agricultural pests, Minister Abubakar Kyari emphasized the threat quelea birds and other transboundary pests represent to food security.
He claimed that the bugs severely damaged crops, particularly rice and wheat, and that if they continued unchecked, they would seriously impair farmers’ lives and the food security of the country.
According to him, the decision to start the spray in Kebbi State was made because of the state’s high level of agricultural activity, especially in the growing of wheat and rice.
Kebbi State Governor Nasiru Idris acknowledged the difficulties encountered by farmers while applauding the prompt aerial spray against quelea birds.
He was hopeful that the program would protect crops, which would raise harvests and improve food production.