The Benin Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has issued a call to action for farmers in the Dassari area to collectively protect their crops from attacks by granivorous birds of the Quelea genus. These bird attacks have been reported in several areas of the Dassari arrondissement in the commune of Matéri, posing a significant threat to rice, sorghum and millet crops.
The ministry has warned that the situation presents a risk of spreading to other areas, potentially compromising agricultural production and the livelihoods of rural populations. To mitigate this threat, the ministry is recommending that farmers adopt several preventive measures to protect their farms. These measures include permanent surveillance of fields during the day and organizing rotations to ensure a continuous presence in the farms to quickly detect the arrival of birds.
The ministry also suggests collective scaring operations using noise-making methods such as shouting, clapping hands, whistling and sound-emitting containers or mobile ribbons. These operations should be carried out simultaneously in neighboring fields to prevent birds from simply moving from one farm to another. Furthermore, populations are encouraged to observe bird movements in the late afternoon from accessible and secure locations and report their gathering sites to agricultural agents or local authorities.
Any intervention at these sites should be conducted under the supervision of competent services. The ministry also prioritizes the rapid harvesting of mature plots, urging farmers not to delay in harvesting ready crops, following the advice of extension agents, and storing harvested products in a safe place.
The ministry emphasizes the need for immediate reporting of any new attacks to extension agents, providing precise information on the village concerned, field location, affected crops and the extent of damage observed. However, the authorities caution against certain practices that could worsen the situation, such as the use of poisoned baits, brush fires and the cutting down of trees that serve as bird refuges.
The government is counting on solidarity among farmers and close collaboration with technical services to contain this threat. In the localities of Pouri and Dassari-centre, the speed of collective reaction will be crucial in preserving crops and limiting the consequences of these attacks on agricultural communities.
Farmers and populations are urged to work together and with technical services to implement the recommended measures and protect their crops. By doing so, they can minimize losses and ensure a successful harvest.
Key points
- The Benin Ministry of Agriculture calls for collective action to protect crops from bird attacks in the Dassari area.
- The ministry recommends preventive measures such as surveillance, scaring operations and rapid harvesting of mature plots.
- The government warns against practices that could worsen the situation, such as the use of poisoned baits and brush fires.
