Quela birds invasion: Hadejia valley farmers cry out for help

By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

The invasion of Quela birds in the River rains areas in Hadejia Emirates has forced the Water Users Association in Auyo local government area to appeal to the federal and state governments for urgent assistance.

The birds have destroyed hundreds of farmlands belonging to rice farmers in the area, with estimated damages running into billions of Naira.

Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of the association, Alh Garba Suleiman Auyo, said: “The Quela birds are a disaster that came from European countries, destroying thousands of hectares of farm produce beyond the capacity of farmers to control. We need the government’s attention to take proactive measures to avert this problem for a lasting solution to farmers.”

Alh Auyo commended the Jigawa state government for their usual support to farmers and urged members of the farmers association to remain law-abiding for peace and development.

The Public Relations Officer of the sector, Muhd Alh Masha Allah, appealed to the state government to clear taper grasses that hide the Quela birds and provide farmers with soft loans for agricultural inputs.

He commended members for prompt payment of water bills and urged the government to supply machines for proper maintenance of Hadejia valley irrigation scheme.

“We need the government’s intervention to rescue farmers from this phenomenal disaster. We appeal to the government to take urgent measures to prevent massive losses to farmers,” Alh Masha Allah said.