The destruction at Ahero Irrigation Scheme could be a setback to the economy of Nyando Constituency, where rice is a major cash crop.
Ahero Multipurpose Co-operative society chairman Clarkson Abiero said farmers had incurred about Sh10 million in losses from an estimate of 950 bags, following the destruction.
The Quelea birds are known to fly in huge flocks in search of early maturing cereals, annual wild grasses and grains.
Rice farmers in Ahero, Kisumu, are counting huge losses following the destruction of thousands of acres of plantation by birds.
The destruction at Ahero Irrigation Scheme could be a setback to the economy of Nyando Constituency, where rice is a major cash crop.
Ahero Multipurpose Co-operative society chairman Clarkson Abiero said farmers had incurred about Sh10 million in losses from an estimate of 950 bags, following the destruction.
“The rice was due for harvesting. But now the Quelea (weaver) birds have destroyed the rice fields. These is likely to destroy this year’s yield,” said Mr Abiero.
“We are really trying to get rid of the birds but our efforts have come to nought. We have had bird attacks before but this is the worst ever.”
According to Mr Abiero, Ahero Irrigation Scheme has at least 2000 acres of rice paddy fields which are partitioned in blocks for easier management. Already 360 acres of rice farms have been destroyed by the small yellow weaver birds.
“We fear that the rest of the 6 block, which are at the flowering stage are at risk,” he said.
The Quelea birds are known to fly in huge flocks in search of early maturing cereals, annual wild grasses and grains.
Now about 600 rice farmers whose rice farms are affected by the bird are now appealing for the national government to contain the menace.
“We have reported to the county government but they have done nothing so far citing lack of funds, yet our fields are being destroyed,” he lamented.
Ahero Multipurpose Co-operative society chairman said the region depended on the national government initiative which sprayed the rice paddy field after every three years to contain the birds.
“Since devolution we have not seen the county government taking interest in controlling the birds. They told us they are still mapping the extent of the damage,” he said.
National Irrigation Western Kenya Board Senior Scheme’s manager Joel Tanui said already officers have been dispatched to identify the bird species destroying the rice farms and get rid of them.
“Two weeks ago birds were controlled in Budalangi by spraying. Seems they have migrated from other parts of the country to Ahero. Areas like Mwea rice scheme and other neighbouring schemes have managed to control the birds,” said Mr Tanui.
He said the department of pest control under ministry of agriculture will contain the birds in two days.
“These birds have shifted their adaptation from feeding during the day to attacking the rice field as early as 5am in the morning and late in the evening,” he said.
