Faith Ndou
CHIREDZI-The Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX) has warned farmers to be vigilant against quelea birds (pictured below) which pose a serious threat to sorghum and pearl millet crops during this peak period.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Chiredzi District AGRITEX Officer Tongai Bodi said farmers should identify and monitor the resting and hatching places of the birds and promptly report them to business advisory officers in their respective wards.
Bodi warned that quelea birds can destroy up to 80 percent of a harvest if not properly controlled.
“These birds feed mostly in the early morning up to 10am and later in the evening from 3pm to 6pm. This is the critical period when farmers must actively guard their crops,” he said.
He encouraged farmers to use various physical methods to scare away the birds including beating drums and introducing smoke in the fields particularly during early morning hours when the birds begin feeding. Farmers may also use recommended chemical sprays that deter birds from feeding on the grain.
Bodi further urged farmers to work in groups and clusters to reduce crop losses noting that coordinated efforts are more effective in controlling the birds.
“This is also the peak period when the birds are hatching their offspring. It is important for farmers to identify both the hatching and resting places so that appropriate measures can be taken,” he added.
Meanwhile, following the rains received this past week of about 15mm, farmers have been encouraged to finalise the planting of legumes and sesame to maximise yields for the current season.
