Andrew
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has successfully cleared quelea birds from eight winter wheat producing districts of the country, with the remaining areas expected to be cleared soon.
Areas that have been covered include Chinhoyi, Chegutu, Kadoma, Marondera, Kwekwe, Chiredzi and Chipinge.
The Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control Department (MPBCD), which is charged with dealing with the pests, recently assured farmers it had enough chemicals for the programme.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online, MPBCD acting director Mr Shingirayi Nyamutukwa said the department was “out in full force to safeguard our crops from these devastating birds”.
“I can assure you that all of our 78 000 hectares of wheat are safe. We have stepped up our operations because all the resources required are already in place,” said Mr Nyamutukwa.
A Quelea Command Centre, which provides daily information to the Agriculture Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) head office on the frequency of reports for immediate reaction on the ground, has since been established.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter