Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has kicked off the 2023/2024 dry season aerial spray to control transboundary quelea birds in the 12 frontline states.
The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, said the choice of Kebbi to host the programme is deliberate, considering the farming activities, especially the cultivation of rice and other crops, as well as the support and love of the governor for agriculture.
During the ceremony at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, the minister, said that in line with the agenda of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, it is committed to transforming agriculture for improved production and productivity.
“This is targeted at making food and other agricultural commodities available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians,” the minister said.
Kebbi State Governor described quelea birds as inimical to agricultural productivity and national food security.
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The frontline states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
While appreciating the Federal Government for finding Kebbi worthy of hosting the exercise, the governor observed that Kebbi is strategic to food security in the country.
He said, any support will go a long way towards helping to achieve results faster and better.
He lauded the farmer-friendly policy of the president by facing the challenges of agriculture head-on, while also appreciating the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for his support and special consideration for Kebbi.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
