Quelea birds a threat to wheat output

LETTICIA MAGOMBO

The unprecedented influx of quelea birds could result in half of Zimbabwe’s winter wheat yield  destroyed, a national association representing local businesses that are involved in the agrochemical industry has warned.

It is estimated that about 380 000 tonnes of wheat will be harvested from the winter crops.

But, if the quelea birds are not contained, 50% of the crop yield could be destroyed, CropLife Zimbabwe has said

“It is a major (problem). The birds move in huge populations and act like a swarm,”the Croplife Zimbabwe chairperson,  Mazvita Shumba, who spoke at the wheat pre-harvesting conference held in the capital last week.

She added: “When it comes to crop damage with these little birds, one bird can eat 3 times more than its body size. It can eat 10 grammes per day. What it means is the birds can consume a minimum of 50% of that entire winter crop. The pests can cause significant economical damage.”

Shumba commended the efforts of the government to control and manage the quelea bird menace.

“Early warning systems like the Quelea Command Center have been helpful. A lot of the farmers have been noticing early roosts. Once they notice them they send coordinates. I give credit to our agronomy services in the Ministry of Agriculture. They have been working tirelessly as a government to go and treat those roosts. Early warning signs have helped to contain the situation and stop the multiplication of those populations.”

The largest roosts have been identified in Malilangwe and Darwendale and have been swiftly dealt with.