The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Wheat farmers have been advised to be on high alert for quelea birds and make prompt reports as soon as they spot them.
June 15 has been set as the last day of wheat planting.
In a farmer’s advisory released on Wednesday, the Department of Migratory Pests and Biosecurity Control said it has put in place all necessary chemicals and equipment for rapid response.
“The quelea bird breeding season has ended and now all farmers should be on the alert of any quelea flocks seen in their districts and provinces,” read the advisory.
“Early identification of quelea roosting sites will prompt early control before wheat reaches the soft dough stage that is critical in wheat growth.
“Roosting sites can be identified by the presents of white to cream-coloured heavy droppings of the birds.”
Quelea birds, experts said, generally roost in bulrush, reeds and acacia bushes, among other roosts.
Roosts can also be identified by an overnight noise made by birds in a roost versus resting sites where they stay for a short time during the day.
Farmers were urged to report to an extension officer in their area.
Each tiny bird can feed on four grammes of wheat per day and a million birds can result in losses exceeding 40 000 tonnes.
This year, Government was targeting to produce 408 000 tonnes from 90 000 hectares.
