Farmers under the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme in Talata Mafara, Bakura, and Maradun Local Government Areas of Zamfara State have appealed for urgent government intervention as birds invaded their 250 hectares farms and destroyed crops.
The Chairman of the Bakalori Water Users Association, Malam Yakubu Yahaya, made the appeal when he spoke with newsmen.
Speaking in Talata Mafara on Thursday, Yahaya said over 1,500 farmers have been affected, describing the situation as devastating.
He said: “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 products.”
According to Yahaya, the situation requires immediate attention.
He added: “An emergency response is needed from government at all levels to save the remaining farmlands.
“About 1,500 farmers are currently affected by this disaster.
“If this situation is not addressed urgently, it will be a major setback to the state and national economy.”
When contacted, the Acting Director of Bird Control at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Mahe Bala, confirmed the report.
He said the state government had received complaints about the bird invasion.
Bala said: “We are working to bring the situation under control.
“We have also forwarded the matter to the Minister of Agriculture for urgent federal intervention.”
