Scientists urge government to adopt safer methods of controlling birds

Red-billed quelea. A single quelea has the capacity to consume up to 10 grammes of grain daily. [iStockphoto]

From the lush green and brown paddies, a rice farm is a sight to behold. However, tales from farmers depict a different picture.

A rice farm covering hundreds of acres of land is the source of livelihood for thousands of households in Ahero and West Kano irrigation schemes. Lately, millions of red-billed quelea birds have descended on the crops in droves, causing losses amounting to millions.