Zamfara: Over 1,500 farmers are calling for government intervention against bird invasion

Over 1,500 farmers from the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara state have appealed to federal and state authorities for emergency intervention after a massive bird invasion destroyed more than 250 hectares of farmland.

Farmers say the epidemic has wiped out crops under the project and is threatening food security and livelihoods in the area if it is not controlled immediately.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Bakalori Water Users Association president Malam Yakubu Yahaya said farmers had tried every available control method but the birds continued to spread.

“This has become an annual disaster for us, but this year’s attack is worse.
“We have exhausted all local techniques. The birds have already destroyed over 250 hectares and we need urgent action from the government to save the remaining farms,” ​​said Yahaya, one of the farmers.

He described the situation as a major setback to Zamfara’s economy and national food production efforts, noting that around 1,500 farmers have been directly affected.

The Bakalori Irrigation Scheme is one of the largest irrigation projects in northern Nigeria and supports thousands of smallholder farmers growing rice, maize and other staple crops.

The acting director of bird control at the Zamfara State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Mahe Bala, confirmed that the ministry had received the report.

“We are treating this situation as an emergency, have documented the extent of the damage and are escalating the matter to the Honorable Minister of Agriculture for urgent attention and support.” He said.

He added that technical teams will be sent to assess the remaining agricultural land and recommend immediate control measures.

Farmers participating in the project are now calling for the rapid release of bird control equipment, chemicals and personnel to prevent further losses before the end of the current farming season.