Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Government has heightened its vigilance against quelea birds which are a menace to the country’s winter wheat crop.
In an interview on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Obert Jiri said quelea birds posed a huge menace to the crop, and should be controlled.
Quelea birds, particularly the Red-billed Quelea, are a significant agricultural pest that caused substantial damage to grain crops like sorghum, millet, and wheat.
These birds form massive flocks and can consume vast quantities of grain, leading to significant yield losses for farmers.
The country is actively employing various strategies, including the use of technology like drones and aerial operations, to control these birds and mitigate their impact on food security.
“We adequately prepared as the winter wheat is showing impressive growth nationwide, making timely intervention critical,” Jiri said.
“Surveillance and control measures are being escalated, leveraging four vehicle-mounted sprayers, 45 mist blowers, 9 drones, and a robust network of District Agriculture Extension Officers, recently equipped with vehicles purchased by government and ready for redeployment,” said permanent secretary.
Jiri also said if necessary, light aircraft will be deployed to ensure that every grain is secured so that the country can attain its target of 600, 000 metric tonnes of wheat this season.
“When worst comes to worst, aircraft will be deployed. This reaffirms that every grain matters in the national quest to secure a minimum of 600,000 metric tonnes this season,” said Jiri.
New Ziana
