Saving Yobe farmers from swarms invasion

For three years, many communities in Yobe state could not cultivate their farms due to security challenges. However, as normalcy returns to the state, it is gratifying to see most displaced communities returning back and engaged in agricultural activities to rebuild their lives. The three years of agricultural inactivity came with an advantage of making […]

For three years, many communities in Yobe state could not cultivate their farms due to security challenges. However, as normalcy returns to the state, it is gratifying to see most displaced communities returning back and engaged in agricultural activities to rebuild their lives. The three years of agricultural inactivity came with an advantage of making the lands to regain fertility. This year, the farms have produced good yields with promising chances of good harvests.
However, the reports of outbreak of locusts swarms and Queala birds in the state seem to be threatening the anticipated good harvest and food security among communities trying to rebuild their lives. According to the state commissioner for agriculture, Engineer Mustapha Gajerima, the increase in population of locusts, insects and Queala birds in the Nguru, Ngeji and Ngalda wetlands is threatening harvests on many rice and millet plantations in five local government areas of Nguru, Jakusko, Bade, Karasuwa and Fika.
The commissioner said government had sprayed the farmlands in Damaturu, Yunusari, Bursari, Yusufari, Giedam and Machina local government areas against the swarms. This early response is both commendable and provides the people with hope to rebuild their lives. However, the major challenge now is the threat from the Queala birds.
Engineer Gajerima said Yobe state government does not have the capacity to conduct aerial spray against the Queala birds as this is only done by aerial spray of the coordinated areas but, expressed the readiness of the state government to partner with federal government to contain the birds.
It becomes pertinent on the federal government to quickly conduct the aerial spray of the areas to save the farms and, to give the people a hope and chance to rehabilitate their lives. Similarly, the federal government is expected to prepare for quick response for the anticipated mass influx of locusts swarms into Nigeria through Niger republic to overcome the migrating pests and save the much needed food in communities battling to rebuild their lives.
Luqman Mohammed, Abuja, [email protected]