By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo Province is set to meet its winter wheat target as the province has had no reports of marauding quelea birds which are a major threat to wheat farming.
The province has about 2 926.77 hectares under winter wheat for the 2024/2025 season and is expecting a yield of 17 500tonnes.
In an interview with TellZim News, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Provincial Director Caleb Mahoya said there were no reports for the marauding quelia birds in the province yet.
“So far we have not received reports on any area which has been affected by quelia birds,” said Mahoya.
Provincial Agriculture Specialist Jonas Chinyavada said they had came up with several ways to curb the quelia birds in the province including the use of drones for thick clustered bushes if need arises.
“We are working with Parks and Wildlife nets team to control feasible birds mainly in the Lowveld where sugar cane and acacia trees are found.
“For trees with five metres and above, boom sprayers have been used, with Mushandike Irrigation Scheme utilizing the method. Drones have been used for areas with thick clustered bushes,” said Chinyavada.
Chinyavada said the department had conducted trainings with farmers on ways to prevent quelia birds and use of indigenous methods.
“Trainings have been done on the identification of quelia birds and a quick robust system has been activated as alarms are raised throughout the province. We urge farmers to use indigenous methods such as whistling and banging bells,” said Chinyavada.
As the winter wheat grows towards harvesting, farmers have been advised to take heed of the advice given to them by Agritex officers as well as some indigenous practices which they know so as to maximise their harvests.
