Over 1,500 farmers at 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.
The farmers say the outbreak has wiped out crops across the scheme and is threatening food security and livelihoods in the area if not checked immediately.
Speaking to Journalists, Thursday, Chairman of the Bakalori Water Users Association, 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 government action to save the remaining farms,” one of the farmers,Yahaya said.
He described the situation as a major setback to Zamfara economy and to national food production efforts, noting that about 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 who grow 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 as an emergency, We have documented the extent of the damage and we are forwarding the matter to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture for urgent attention and support.” He said.
He added that technical teams would be deployed to assess the remaining farmland and recommend immediate control measures.
Farmers at the scheme are now calling for the rapid release of bird control equipment, chemicals, and personnel to prevent further losses before the current cropping season ends.