The Federal Government has begun the aerial spray against quelea birds and grasshoppers in 10 local government areas of Bauchi State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Tasiu Abubakar, said this at the beginning of the exercise in Bauchi.
He said that the state government had donated 750 litres of pesticides for the exercise.
Abubakar said it would curb the menace of pests and ensure the realisation of mass food production by encouraging peasants to take to farming.
He, however, warned farmers within the affected areas to stay indoors during the period to avoid inhaling the poisonous insecticides.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the exercise was being conducted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in conjunction with the state government.
The Coordinator, North-East Zonal Office of the ministry, Mr Johnson Waziri, observed that one of the greatest challenges facing agriculture was pest control.
Waziri said the exercise was in line with the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda toward ensuring sustainable food security.
He said that it would be conducted every morning and evening, adding that the period coincided with the “nesting time for the pests”.
The coordinator commended the state government for giving top priority to agriculture.
The Chairman, Global Apex Air, the company handling the exercise, Capt. Gbenga Bankole, who conducted dignitaries round the aircraft, said the organisation was using a new technology to do the exercise.
Bauchi, Alkaleri, Kirfi, Misau, Giade, Ningi, Shira, Gamawa, Jama’are and Zaki local government areas are beneficiaries of the exercise.
