tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has intensified quelea birds control countrywide by using drones to attack their biggest roosting sites, in an effort to reduce loss on the winter wheat crop.
The tiny birds, which move in huge flocks, had been reported to have invaded Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Masvingo.
In a statement, the Department of Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control said Mashonaland West has the highest numbers of the birds.
“Drone controls were done for the quelea birds. Areas most affected are Chegutu, Norton, Banket, Kadoma, Sanyati and Rafingora.
“Chemical sprays are the most used option for control, although in areas of the country like Manicaland and Masvingo there is use of physical trapping using nets.
“All provinces however have been attended to, in terms of sprays and we are now beginning the option of aerial sprays through Agricair in Rafingora, then we move into Darwendale.
“We are grateful that we attended to the biggest roosting site in Darwendale, stretching for more than 40 hectares, and will soon involve aerial spray to deal a final blow to the quelea populations roosting at this site,” reads part of the statement.
Quelea birds are the largest contributors to wheat loss annually, and can damage up to 95 percent of the crop if left uncontrolled.
With the final wheat crop assessment showing that 78 000 hectares have been put under the cereal crop, the Government has adopted many ways like establishing Quelea Command Centre, which provides daily information on any possible invasion and drone sprays as a way to guard against the menacing quelea birds to ensure maximum yields.
Online Reporter