HARARE (Zimbabwe): The Zimbabwean government has acquired nine drones for use in combating quelea birds, also known as qualia birds, with the aim of increasing cereal crop production in the country.
During the unveiling ceremony in the capital on Monday, Dr John Basera, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, in addressing the guests stated that the procurement of these drones signifies a step in the right direction as the country gears up to modernise and mechanise the agriculture sector.
The drones, each capable of carrying 40 litres of chemicals, will be distributed across all eight rural provinces and the head office in the capital.
Dr Basera explained that the migratory quelea birds have become the most significant threat to wheat production in Zimbabwe, causing estimated yield losses of over 95 per cent when left uncontrolled.
“The Ministry has consistently emphasised the importance of every grain in our quest for grain self-sufficiency. To achieve this, we must safeguard against avoidable losses,” he was reported as saying by Zimbabwe’s New Ziana agency.
Dr Basera emphasised the necessity of mechanising, modernising, and aero-mechanising agriculture, as it is the only way to achieve much-needed production efficiencies and enhance competitiveness, enabling Zimbabwe to compete with its regional and global counterparts.
Over the years, quelea birds have proven to be a menace not only to wheat production but also to the general cereal production sector. Thus, the country must take preventive measures against them. – BERNAMA-NEW ZIANA
