Farmers under the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme in Talata Mafara, Bakura and Maradun Local Government Areas of Zamfara State have appealed for urgent government intervention following widespread destruction of crops by invading birds.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Bakalori Water Users Association, Yakubu Yahaya, who described the infestation as a major threat to agricultural production and the livelihoods of farmers in the area.
According to Yahaya, more than 1,500 farmers participating in the irrigation scheme have been affected by the bird invasion, despite efforts to control the pests using available methods.
He disclosed that birds have already destroyed crops on over 250 hectares of farmland, with millions of birds reportedly feeding on cultivated fields across the irrigation scheme.
“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.
Yahaya called for an emergency response from federal, state and local governments, warning that failure to address the situation promptly could result in significant economic losses for both Zamfara State and the country.
He stressed that urgent intervention is necessary to protect the remaining farmlands and prevent further destruction during the current farming season.
Responding to the development, the Acting Director of Bird Control at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, Mahe Bala, confirmed that the ministry had received reports of the invasion from affected communities.
Bala said measures are already being implemented to contain the infestation and minimise further crop losses across the affected local government areas.
He added that the incident has been reported to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for urgent intervention, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts would help bring the situation under control and safeguard farmers harvests.
